Eddie Christian Sr., a Fort Smith attorney known in wide legal circles as one of the best defense attorneys in the nation, has died following a fight with cancer. He was 72.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughter Gerri Ellen Adams, son-in-law Dennis Adams, granddaughter Ryann Adams, daughter-in-law Sara Glover Christian and granddaughter Regan Christian.
His son, Eddie Christian Jr., died in August 2010 the age of 48. Eddie Jr. was also well known in legal circles for his willingness to challenge authority.
Becky Ibson, who worked as Christian Sr.’s assistant for more than 39 years, said he enjoyed the work and the success he was able to acquire with his legal skills.
“He told me that we have had a good 39-year run practicing law,” Ibson said Monday afternoon. “He’s going to be missed, obviously. I know I’m prejudiced, but he was really great. ... It will be hard to replace someone like that.”
Friend and Fort Smith attorney Doug Smith said Christian was known for his legal skills and his dedication to family and friends.
“He was meant to be a lawyer,” Smith said of Christian, adding that his reputation was known well outside of the Fort Smith area. “He was very intent on doing the right thing for his clients, and he did it with absolute integrity.”
Fort Smith businessman Bennie Westphal said his father, Robbie, and Eddie Sr. were good friends, with the friendship often seeing the two join with others for lunch at the Broadway restaurant in downtown Fort Smith.
“He was just a brilliant attorney, you know, a really brilliant attorney in the courtroom who just also really enjoyed life. It is so sad to hear of his passing,” Westphal said.
The City Wire will update this story later today.