The honorable David Nichols Laser died this day, June 9, 2024, comfortable and cared for at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Fletcher Laser, son David Nichols Laser Jr., daughters, Laura Laser and Amy Laser, grandchildren Camille Boswell, Jakob Mueller, Marley Boswell, sister Esther Paul, brother-in-law Thomas Paul, and his beloved cat, Happy.
Judge Laser was born February 17, 1941 in Forrest City. He earned his Juris Doctorate in 1965 from the University of Arkansas. He practiced law and raised his family in Jonesboro. In 1999 he assumed the Division 9 judgeship of the Second Circuit of Arkansas until retirement in 2014. Of particular note, he established the first drug court in his circuit.
Judge Laser was active in the recovery community and a founding committee member of Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistant Program, an office of the Supreme Court of Arkansas that provides behavioral healthcare services to the legal community. Judge Laser imparted unassuming wisdom and guidance to many, both in court, and in his personal life.
Judge Laser’s intense love of his family, friends, community, and colleagues was felt deeply by all who experienced him. His humor, often a “wild card”, will be remembered by many for years to come. He held deep empathy and respect for those who crossed his path and he lived by his commitment to service. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Arkansas JLAP or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. A celebration of Judge Laser’s life will be held in Jonesboro at the Craighead County Courthouse, 511 South Main Street, Saturday, June 29 from 1pm to 3pm.
Cremation arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service & Crematory, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
9 Comments
Sixteen years of being his official court reporter gave me many scary, funny, amazing, and enduring moments. I never knew what he was going to pop off in court. Jury members loved him. Attorneys, as well as the court personnel, appreciated his humor as well as his empathy for his fellow man. David was a wonderful, caring man. I was the caregiver for my dear brother for two years, and when he passed away, David came over and said he just had to lay eyes on me and make sure I was all right. He grabbed me in a hug and I went to pieces. We both cried. His level of sympathy overwhelmed me. My husband told me later that I needed that cry. But that was so typical David. He didn’t run from my raw pain, he wadded right into the middle of it. That was his life, always putting out a helping help. David, Heaven received one of the best when you arrived. I love you, my family loves you, and everyone who had the pleasure of being your friend loves you.
Diane, I am so sorry. But you wrote a true & wonderful tribute. Our lives are better because this man touched them. May our tears float him all the way to paradise. Love him, & love you, too.
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Laser’s passing. MY thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones.
Ann, I try to keep up with Jonesboro friends even though I don’t live there anymore. It saddened me to see the obituary of your husband David. I never knew him personally but had high regard of him and certainly was honored to have known you. Please accept my condolences.
I never felt so hopeful for the case of Freeing the West Memphis 3 as when I learned The Honorable Judge Laser would be taking over from Burnett. The world lost a good fair judge & a kind human when we need so many more people of good integrity like him.
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “Jesus plainly told her: I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
Diane Gibson pretty much said it all, that Judge was witty, wise & a wonderful human being. All of my experiences as a court reporter over the years were not always pleasant, but I will constantly remember how I was treated by him, with the highest respect. I am almost complete with a book I am writing, entitled, “My Place in Line.” He, Judge Laser, will certainly have my Place in Line because in my closing argument, I would say, “Your Honor, God, His Honor was earned & maintained throughout the years, because, as the song goes, ‘He did all he could do in the time that You gave him’.” Love goes with you & it stays with us, because that is the way it is & the way you are…never ending.
A great lawyer and a good man.
A worthy opponent and honorable judge with respect for the profession he served. .
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