The Honorable Judge Russell Austin died Monday afternoon from complications following a massive stroke he suffered over the weekend.
Judge Austin presided over Probate Court Number One in Harris County, Texas. He rose to the bench in 1995 following 25 years of practicing Real Estate and Probate law in the Houston area.
Judge Austin also served as an adjunct professor at South Texas College of Law teaching Wills, Trust, and Estates.
Judge Austin received his BA from the University of Houston in 1968. He received his JD from the University of Houston in 1971. He became Board Certified in Real Estate Law in 1984.
Throughout his Judicial career he received many awards and honors, including Judge of the Year Award in 2006; Professor Excellence Awards in 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001; Public Service Award in 2005, and a Special Faculty Contribution Award in 1990.
He was a highly respected member of the bar, an outstanding Judge, and a dear friend to all.
He will be greatly missed.