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After 20 years on the appellate bench, Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Terry Crone was recognized Monday for his mentorship, directness and always having a story to tell.
Family, friends and attorneys filled the Indiana Supreme Court Courtroom on the third floor of the Indiana Statehouse for Crone’s retirement ceremony.
Deputy General Counsel for Gov. Eric Holcomb Sharon Jackson gave remarks on behalf of the governor.
“You have shown in your decades of service that you decided each case on its own merit, free of political or social or other considerations, and in doing so showed us all your adherence to the rule of law,” Jackson said on behalf of Holcomb.
She added that former Gov. Joseph Kernan’s portrait hangs above Holcomb in his office. Crone was appointed to the bench by Kernan in 2004.
“A man for whom the governor has such good respect, the man in the portrait, will inevitably be whispering in the governor’s ear as the governor considers who will be a worthy successor to you in your exemplary career,” Jackson said.
She then presented a framed Sagamore of the Wabash to Crone.
Next, Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Cale Bradford gave remarks about Crone.
Bradford joined the appellate bench a few years after Crone in 2007.
“He’s taught me to consider things from a variety of viewpoints, perhaps pairs of shoes that I would not have in my life, angles and walks that I have not taken in my particular background, and how that all blends in with a better conversation of what is justice and a good way of treating human beings in our state,” Bradford said.
Bradford continued by saying Crone strives to make a difference without seeking credit and noting many may be unaware of his contributions.
He recalled a time when the judges went a decade without any pay increase because the Legislature couldn’t reach an agreement. Crone worked to make judicial pay independent from the Indiana General Assembly.
Bradford said Crone will say what he thinks without confusion, is funny and has an endless library of stories to tell.
“He’s the best kind of friend, not just there for the good moments, but most importantly for the difficult moments and challenges in your life. And he’s been that kind of friend to me, and I’m sure he has to you as well. But when the tough gets really tough. Terry’s there. Here to help you and to lead you out of this abyss of emotion or period in your life. All these things are so wonderful, but it pales in comparison to the thing that is most dear and is the greatest source of joy and pride in his life, his family,” Bradford said.
Crone has been married for 51 years and has three daughters and five grandchildren.
“Relax and enjoy your journey and your exciting new chapter of life,” Bradford said.
Sopko Nussbaum Inabnit & Kaczmarek Partner Richard Nussbaum II spoke on the careers and lives he and Crone have lived.
He recalled Crone was a conference-champion sprinter for two years who qualified for the NCAA Division II finals in the 220 while at DePauw University. However, he got in a fight and broke his hand, ending his college athletic career. He used the experience to better understand the workings of the Putnam County Sheriff’s department, Nussbaum said.
Crone’s supporters also made a donation to the Beverley D. Crone Restoration Area in South Bend which is a nesting site for several species of endangered birds and a walking and bike path. Beverley Crone was Crone’s mother. According to an article in the South Bend Tribune she made history by being the first woman elected as St. Joseph County Auditor in 1985 and then county commissioner in 1996.
Indiana Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert Altice said the court also made a donation to the Indiana Legal Aid Society.
Crone then thanked many of the people in the room, including his family.
“I have a relatively simple judicial philosophy. The law is supposed to help people, not just some people, but all people,” he said. “To do so, it should be reflective of and learn and responsible to all segments of society. Justice is not just a result, it’s also a process.”
Crone concluded his remarks with a story of when he presided over a divorce proceeding in St. Joseph County. The husband in the case had hired a private investigator to investigate his soon-to-be ex-wife. When cross-examined the attorney asked if the investigator looked into anyone else to which the investigator had said “Judge Crone.”
When asked what he found he responded “tough but fair.”
“If the epitaph of my career is ‘tough but fair,’ so be it,” Crone said.
Crone plans to continue his work as a part-time senior judge for the state’s appellate court.
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