Well-known local attorney Wayne Kuhn has officially "left the building."
Kuhn has retired after practicing law in Franklinton for 50 years. Thirty-eight of those years he has represented the Washington Parish School Board; sixteen years he has been the parish attorney and spent 22 years with the Clerk of Court office.
The Franklinton High School graduate recently stated in a Parish Council meeting, "I was born on 13th Avenue, which just right down the street, and I was gone for a brief time in the Army and education at LSU. My first law office was across the street next to the Methodist Church. Eight years later I moved across the street where an insurance office is now. After that I built an office on the other end of the street. I went to church here, and I've spent my whole life within a few blocks."
Kuhn and his wife, the former Sarah Kennedy, a retired school psychologist, have relocated to the Hammond area to be nearer their children and grandchildren.
The Washington Parish Council and Government as well as the Washington Parish School Board hosted receptions for Kuhn before his final goodbyes.
He was quick to thank his wife Sarah and his children for their constant support for his career. He also thanked his former secretary, the late Terry Morgan as well as secretary Richelle Luper, both of whom, according to Kuhn, worked tirelessly not only in his practice but also for the government boards he represented.
In true Wayne Kuhn humor he explained that he was told in his early years to hire a good secretary, pay her whatever she wants, and she will do half of your work. So, he said, he hired two.
Kuhn's immediate and extended family were on hand as he humbly received tributes and well-wishes from all in attendance. Local attorney Matthew Garver will be replacing Kuhn as both the school board and parish government attorney.
