George P. Kazen, a U.S. district judge for the Laredo division of the Southern District of Texas for nearly 40 years and whose name now bequeaths Laredo’s federal courthouse, has died at age 81.

Kazen was nominated by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to this seat on the U.S. district court, and he retired in 2018. He was widely regarded for his genius legal mind and was known as a thorough, fair judge.

From 1996 to 2003, Kazen served as chief judge for the Southern District of Texas, and in 2003 the chief justice appointed him to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

He assumed senior status in 2009, but Kazen remained extremely active, handling a third of the Laredo Division’s criminal and civil dockets until his retirement.

Kazen, a father of four, was a devout Catholic who has served on the Red Mass planning committee since the Diocese of Laredo’s inception in 2000. He also made regular contributions to Catholic charities.

The judge was married to the late Barbara Ann Kazen, a civic leader who was known for her work with the Bethany House of Laredo.

He was a native of Laredo.

Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar reflected Tuesday on the community’s loss.

“Today is a very sad day for our community as we mourn the loss of a great pillar. Federal Judge George P. Kazen will be forever missed and will always be remembered for his excellent service to our community, his family and our country,” Cuellar said. “When I was a Department of Public Safety trooper, I had to testify at his court and he was always fair and professional. I still remember the many times he swore me in as Sheriff, and for that, he will forever hold a special place in my heart.

“My condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace. He leaves behind a great legacy, and I am certain that his work and many sacrifices will transcend through generations to come. A true man of justice he was.”

Laredo’s U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar remarked on Kazen’s death in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

“If you were lucky enough to have met the Honorable George P. Kazen, you’d know that he was an exceptional judge as well as friend,” he wrote.

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