Kansas appellate courts mourn death of retired Judge Patrick McAnany

TOPEKA—Chief Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, Kansas Court of Appeals, released the following statement on learning about the September 5, 2023, death of retired Judge Patrick McAnany:

“I speak for the entire Kansas Court of Appeals when I say we are saddened by the death of retired Judge Patrick McAnany. He was the epitome of a kind and wise judge. Over the years, he mentored many lawyers and gave valuable counsel to his fellow Kansas judges. Judge McAnany’s character and dedication to the legal profession is his legacy—a legacy that inspires us all.”

Chief Justice Marla Luckert of the Supreme Court offered these words about the judge:

“Judge McAnany was known for his integrity and kindness. He was also a brilliant lawyer and a tireless advocate for fair and impartial courts. He was a friend, a mentor, and a leader whose influence was wide and will be long lasting. The justices of the Kansas Supreme Court are grateful for his contributions when he sat by assignment with the court and for his service as chair of Project Pegasus, the court's Blue Ribbon Commission for improving the Kansas judicial system. We extend our sincere sympathies to his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his many friends."

Patrick D. McAnany was born in Sweetwater, Texas, on November 18, 1943. He graduated from Rockhurst University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He received his law degree in 1968 and an LL.M. degree in business litigation in 1971, both from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

Governor Bill Graves appointed McAnany to the Johnson County District Court in 1995, where he handled juvenile cases and later civil litigation. He served two terms as the district’s chief judge. While with the district court, McAnany implemented the Trial Court Performance Standards, the Judicial Academy, the Changing Lives Through Literature reading program, and other innovative court and public outreach programs.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius appointed McAnany to the Court of Appeals in 2004, where he served until his retirement in 2018. After his retirement, he served as a senior judge from January 2019 to June 2023, assigned primarily to the Court of Appeals.