Walter D. Braud, a longtime Rock Island attorney, judge, author and community leader, died on August 13, 2026. He was 86 years old.

Walter spent nearly five decades in the law, building a career that included a number of historic firsts in the Quad Cities and throughout western Illinois. He became the first Black prosecutor in Rock Island and later practiced privately, handling criminal defense, civil rights and civil cases.

In 2001, Walter became the first Black circuit judge in Western Illinois. He later was named chief judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit in 2014, becoming only the second Black chief judge in Illinois history. He remained in that position until retiring from the bench in 2019.

But those who knew Walter knew there was much more to him than his legal career. He was a storyteller, a teacher, a musician and a man who enjoyed a good conversation. And in later years, Walter turned his attention to writing. His memoir, Bessie's Prayer, which told the story of his Chicago childhood, his family, his career and, most of all, the influence of his mother, Bessie Braud.

Walter's own life included plenty of stories to tell. He grew up on Chicago's South Side, worked a variety of jobs, including taxi driver and a singer in the doo-wop group the ‘Kings Men’. He became a teacher, pursued a legal career and eventually found himself on the bench. Along the way, he developed friendships throughout the Quad Cities and became a familiar and respected figure in the local community.

As chief judge, Walter also was involved in the long effort to replace Rock Island County's aging courthouse. The project required years of work and persistence, and seeing the new courthouse completed was among the accomplishments of which he was most proud.

While Walter's professional achievements were considerable, he was not one to let a title tell the whole story. Family, faith, music and the people he met along the way were just as important. He brought humor and a gift for conversation to his many roles and had a way of turning memories into stories that people wanted to hear.

Walter is survived by his wife, Gertrude Braud; sister, Catherine (Braud) Mendoza and husband Alberto Mendoza; children Charles Braud and Charlotte Braud-Kern and husband Stefan Kern; Nieces and Nephews: Michelle (Braud) Lanier and husband Raymond Lanier, Carolyn Miles and partner Jerry Cluney, Latecia Braud, David Braud and wife Becca Braud, Justin Braud and wife Martha Braud: grandchild Annie Braud-Kern; and many great nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

A private celebration of life will be held for Walter in September. Much of the proceeds from his memoir will be donated to the Martin Luther King Center (Rock Island).

Walter leaves behind a long list of professional accomplishments, but perhaps his most lasting legacy will be found in the people he helped, the barriers he helped break, and the family he loved.