Charles Edward Kirksey, longtime St. Louis judge and defense attorney, dies at 78

Charles Edward Kirksey, who dedicated his life to serving the St. Louis community as a defense attorney and circuit court judge during a 50-year legal career, has died. He was 78.

Kirksey, who grew up near The Ville and in Richmond Heights, died Aug, 20. He is remembered by many as a scholar and a gentleman. He graduated from Saint Louis University High School, where he played football until he sustained an injury that would not allow him to continue the sport. That injury set him on a different path.

He went on to Saint Louis University and graduated from its law school, where he also joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He worked for Legal Aid Society for one year before opening his own law practice, Bell, Kirksey and Associates. Attorney Booker T. Shaw, a partner at Thomas and Colburn who was also one of Kirksey’s golf buddies, described him as one of the best attorneys in St. Louis.

“Charles Kirksey was a brilliant attorney and a gentleman,” said Madeline Franklin, the founding executive director of STL Village. “He, along with his partners, James Bell, Helton Reed, Stan Richardson and Henry Thomas, had the premiere criminal defense firm in the city. I was impressed with his command of the English language. He was a dapper dresser and always polished. He will be missed.”

Concerned about creating an accessible legal process, Kirksey not only worked diligently for his clients and aimed to apply equitable rulings while on the bench, he also took on pro bono cases. He lent his time to Mound City Bar, a professional organization for Black lawyers in St. Louis. And he and some colleagues formed a political group to participate in local government. Aztec Associates was a group of lawyers and other professionals that supported local campaigns.

Kirksey also is remembered as a good friend.

“He was always there for me — always — whenever I needed any kind of legal assistance or anything or advice,” said radio personality Hank Thompson, one of Kirksey’s closest friends, whom he called his “road dog.”

One of Thompson’s dearest memories during his longtime friendship with Kirksey was going to the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. The two got a van and drove to the historic event with their partners. That was one of numerous road trips the two would take, often to sporting events.

His daughter, Lauren Kirksey, recalled that her father spent a lot of time on golf courses. Ruth Park in University City was one of his favorite places to play. She also remembers her father as a disciplinarian who balanced strict expectations with understanding and care.

“He would always sit me down in his office or my room, close the door and have a talk with me,” she said. “And he would speak to me in a very calm manner, run through the situation and let me know why I was wrong.”

Educational performance was a priority for Kirksey, who would even expect his children to not only write a book report for school, but a separate one for him as well. Kirksey also had his children read passages from the Bible at Sunday dinners. He wanted his children to get as much out of their education as possible to succeed.

But times with her father weren’t always so serious as Lauren recalls being able to bring out his silly side that not many others saw.

“I do think he would like to be remembered as well as a committed father,” she said. “I will say that he was always there for us.”

Kirksey’s ex-wife, Kathy Hester-Kirksey, died last year.

He is survived by his four children, Lauren, Charles III, Christian and Caitlyn Kirksey and grandchildren, Amaree and Nova Kirksey.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, at St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave. St. Louis. Visitation begins at 9 a.m.