Bay St. Louis attorney and judge Walter Gex dies

A prominent attorney and federal judge from Bay St. Louis died Thursday.

Walter J. Gex III, 81,  died at his Diamondhead home on Thursday night.

He attended the University of Mississippi, earning a bachelor of arts degree before obtaining his law degree. He was in private practice in Jackson from 1963 to 1972 before returning to Bay St. Louis to practice law until his nomination to the federal bench.

Gex became a federal judge in 1986 after being nominated by President Ronald Reagan to the United States District Court for the Southern District, where he served until 2004, when he assumed senior status.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, daughter Rachel and son Joe.

U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst said Gex as one of a kind.

“Our hearts are broken upon hearing of the passing of retired Senior U.S. District Judge Walter J. Gex III. Our sincerest condolences to his wife, Kathleen, and his entire family.  Judge Gex was an incredible jurist with a giant personality, a consummate professional and a proud Mississippian and outdoorsman.  But most of all, he was always kind and fair, treating people with dignity and respect both inside and outside his courtroom. He served his country well, and I am grateful to have known him and practiced before him.  There will never be another Judge Gex,” Hurst said.

Arrangements are incomplete with Riemann Funeral Home.

WXXV will update this story as more information becomes available.