Kansas Supreme Court News Release

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Lisa Taylor
Public Information Director
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Supreme Court statement on passing of former Justice Evelyn Wilson

TOPEKA—Speaking on behalf of the Kansas Supreme Court, Chief Justice Eric Rosen issued the following statement on the April 4 passing of former Justice Evelyn Wilson.

“Justice Wilson was a deeply principled woman whose enduring faith and commitment to the law were evident in her work as an attorney, judge, and justice. She was drawn to the law as a champion for people who needed help advocating for their rights, a trait that carried over to her tenure as a judge. It was important to her that a person in her courtroom feel respected and heard, even when the law required her to rule against them. Her decisions were clear, well-reasoned, understandable, and most of all, fair. When she was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, she faced her illness with optimism and great courage. Our hearts go out to her family, former colleagues, and friends.”

Wilson served on the Supreme Court from January 2020 to July 2025, when she resigned following her diagnosis. Before that, she served as a district judge in the 3rd Judicial District from 2004 to 2019. She served as the district’s chief judge from 2014 through 2019.