Former judge, UI basketball star Fred Green dies at 84

Long after his days as one of Urbana High's greatest athletes and an Illini star, Fred Green stood tall and achieved heroic status as an appellate judge and civic leader.

A Republican stalwart, he was considered the fairest of judges in a 42-year career, leading one Democratic leader, Steve Beckett, to call him "judge for the people."

U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, who met the judge as a boy and played basketball with him on a driveway court, called Judge Green a mentor who had the highest of principles.

"No one had a higher level of integrity or loyalty or intellect than Fred Green," Johnson said. "His legacy will be eternal in this community."

Frederick S. Green died at 10:40 p.m. Friday. He was 84.

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