William E. Gladden, the long-time Houston attorney and civic leader, has passed away.
Mr. Gladden, 96, spent nearly his entire professional life in Houston after graduating from law school. He passed away Friday at a Springfield hospital.
A former Texas County prosecutor, Mr. Gladden practiced law from a Grand Avenue office across from the then-Texas County Courthouse. In addition to his attorney practice, he led an active role in the progress of the community, which he learned first-hand from his grandfather, who published the Houston Herald for about 50 years.
Mr. Gladden is a former member of the Houston board of education, helped guide Houston’s progress through the Houston Development Co., which advocated improving the community’s economic life. He also was a long-time director at Progressive Ozark Bank.
During his long career, Mr. Gladden was the corporate lawyer for Licking-based Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association, serving decades during a period of growth for the entity. He also was an attorney for the City of Houston for about four decades.
Mr. Gladden is a former commissioner on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission after a nomination by Gov. Mel Carnahan. He was active in the United Methodist Church and Democratic politics.
He is survived by his wife, Vera, and their four children.
Bill was a great and good man. He could have practiced in any prestigious law firm in any great city in the land…but he spent his life here in Texas County with us, helping people who needed help the most. He gave selflessly for others. We must always be grateful, and never forget him.