Local officials remembered former Judge David Painter as a gentleman who was honest, yet always fair.

Painter, 84, died Feb. 4 at a local hospital under hospice care. He served nearly 20 years as a judge, which included the 14th Judicial District Court from 1996 to 2005, followed by the Third Circuit Court of Appeal until his retirement in 2014.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso said his father and Painter attended school together. Mancuso said Painter was a solid public servant. Painter was a Lake Charles City Councilman from 1983 to 1995.

“He was a great example of integrity and honor in our community,” he said.

Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight said he worked with Painter on a case as a relatively new lawyer in the early 2000s. At the time, Painter was a judge for the 14th Judicial District Court. Dwight described Painter as a statesman who treated both sides fairly.

“That’s what you always want in a judge,” Dwight said. “He was respected by the Southwest Louisiana bar community.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said in a statement posted on Facebook Monday that he visited with Painter after choosing to get involved in public service.

“He was always so encouraging and supportive, even when others told me what I wanted to accomplish was too hard or not feasible,” Hunter said. “My life has been enriched by having him as a friend and mentor.”

Dwight said Painter followed his career after he was elected to the District 35 state House seat in 2015.

“He always encouraged me to do the right thing,” he said.

Mancuso said Painter wasn’t shy about expressing his opinions when it came to those who worked in law, but was always respectful when doing so.

“He was a big man, but he had the demeanor of a kind gentleman,” he said. “I can’t imagine anyone saying an unkind word about him.”

Hunter said the world could use more men like Painter.

“I believe his choices in life were typically more about his love for this community and leaving it better than he found it,” he said.