The Kentucky Bar Foundation celebrated the 10th Annual Judge Edward H. Johnstone Award Dinner on November 12, 2026, at Walker Hall in Paducah. Retired attorney Gary B. Houston was honored by colleagues, friends and members of Kentucky’s legal community for his distinguished career and contributions to the legal profession and his community. Throughout his career, Gary has demonstrated a commitment to serving clients, mentoring fellow attorneys, and strengthening the legal profession.
The Kentucky Bar Foundation extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success. We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors for their support of the dinner and the Foundation's mission to advance access to justice throughout Kentucky.
About the 2026 Johnstone Award Recipient
Gary B. Houston is a retired attorney and former member of Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC, where he practiced law from 1967 until his retirement in 2025. A native of Murray, Kentucky, Mr. Houston devoted his career to serving clients throughout western Kentucky, focusing on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business organization and operations.
Throughout his career, Mr. Houston demonstrated a commitment to his clients, the legal profession, and his community. He was recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America and a Kentucky Super Lawyer and received the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
