Judge (Ret.) Richard Harmon Drew, Jr., 77, of Minden, Louisiana, passed away on December 17, 2023 after a long illness.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Talley Drew, his children Richard Harmon Drew III and Georgia Drew Boswell (Devron D. Boswell), his grandchildren Emmaline Boswell and Joseph Boswell, his sister Caldwell Drew Colvin, and his beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Richard Harmon Drew Sr. and Margaret Elam Drew, his sister Elizabeth Drew Weaver and his grandson Drew Joseph Boswell.
Harmon was born on November 11, 1946 in Minden, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University for both his undergraduate and legal education. During a long career in the law, he served as an Assistant District Attorney and then for over thirty years as a judge elected in succession to the Minden City Court, the Louisiana 26th Judicial District Court and the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
For many years, Harmon was honored to teach criminal law and procedure to law enforcement personnel, including the Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and numerous other agencies across the state. As part of that teaching, he created, with his wife Jean, The True Blue Drew Book, which was updated each year with new developments. He also co-founded and helped conduct for over thirty years the Nuts & Bolts Fun Judicial Seminar, which provides training for local court personnel at an annual conference.
Harmon was a working musician for most of his life, starting in high school. With Harmon on piano, the Harmon Drew Group played jobs across the region for over forty years. He specialized in 1960s R&B, the music that never grows old.
The funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday December 21st at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway St., Minden, Louisiana. Those attending the service as well those who cannot attend are welcome at a reception to follow at the St. John’s Parish Hall from 1:45 pm to 3:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.