Edward Judson

Edward Harry Judson passed away Saturday, May 17 in Midland, Texas.Edward was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Sidney A. and Allora Phelon Judson on June 28, 1921. After a short move to Dallas, Texas, he was raised and educated in Houston, Texas, graduating from San Jacinto High School in 1938. He continued his education at The University of Oklahoma and received his naval commission while there in February 1942. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering in 1943 and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity.Edward served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as engineering and executive officer on the vessel LSM 111. His ship transported troops and equipment to Pacific outposts such as Saipan, Okinawa, Eniwetok and Iwo Jima. His ship received orders to proceed to Sasebo, Japan for an assault landing with the US Marines and while underway, received notice of Japan's surrender. His ship was one of the first American ships to land on the Japanese Home Islands. Finishing his active duty, he served in the US Naval Reserves until 1958.His father, Sidney Judson, was one of the early pioneers in oil and gas geology. Ed followed in his father's footsteps, working for Shell Oil Company as a petroleum engineer. He engaged in field development, carried out geological studies and supervised well drilling and completion. It was while working for Shell that he met his future wife, Marilyn Lea Murray, who worked for Shell in the Personnel and Industrial Relations Department. They were married on February 17, 1951.Edward partnered with William H. Martin and R. Ken Williams to form the MWJ Producing Company. Their partnership thrived throughout the heyday of the early west Texas oil and gas booms and busts. The partnership lasted until 1997, when it was divided into three operating companies. The families continued to partner in various oil and gas properties. Ed and his wife, Marilyn, went on to create The Edmar Company in 1997 to operate Edward's share of the MWJ wells. He was a 55-year member of The American Association of Petroleum Geologists.Edward was an active volunteer for various organizations and charities in Midland. TheseIncluded: The United Way, head of the Midland Zoning Board, Director of the Midland YMCA, member of the Board of the Permian Basin Girl Scouts, and head deacon of the First Presbyterian Church.Ed was devoted to his family. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Alice Judson Goss of Houston, and his brother, Robert Judson of Wharton, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his children and their spouses, Judy Judson and Richard Coar of City Island, New York; Linda Judson and Jim Harrison of Atlanta, Georgia; and Don and Julie Biggs Judson of Midland; four grandchildren, David Edward Judson, of Green Valley, Arizona, Annabelle Claire Kate Judson of Midland, Texas, Anna Kathleen Harrison and Brian Thomas Harrison of Atlanta, Georgia; his sister Winifred Livingston of Kerrville, Texas; his brother, Roger Judson of Houston, Texas; a brother-in-law, John Goss of Katy, Texas; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harry and Elizabeth Murray of Flower Mound, Texas.The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home, 3800 N. Big Spring St. in Midland Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Schorr officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Blake, John Schlagal, Ken Williams, John Goss, Sinclair Murray,and Robert Vogel.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,