Harris Kenneth Wangelin

Who was Harris Kenneth Wangelin?

Harris Kenneth Wangelin was a United States federal judge.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Wangelin received an A.A. from Iberia Academy & Junior College in 1932 and a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 1936. He was in private practice in Van Buren, Missouri from 1936 to 1937. He was an adjuster for the Maryland Casualty Company, Missouri from 1937 to 1942. He was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1942 to 1945. He then returned to private practice, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, until 1970.

On December 8, 1970, Wangelin was nominated by President Richard Nixon to a seat jointly held on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri and the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, vacated by Roy W. Harper. Wangelin was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 17, 1970, and received his commission on December 22, 1970. He assumed senior status on May 10, 1983, serving in that capacity until his death, in Poplar Bluff.