August 9, 2025
Statement by Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on the Death of Judge William Webster
Simi Valley, California – The Reagan Foundation and Institute mourns the loss of William H. Webster, a man who served our country with grace and distinction for over 5 decades. A Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War, he left the military to begin his life and career in public service. William Webster’s judicial career was one of extraordinary accomplishment that lasted a quarter of a century, culminating in distinguished terms as judge of the United States District Court for Eastern Missouri, a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District, and then, under President Ronald Reagan, both the Director of the FBI and the Director of the CIA. He is the only person to have held both positions. He most recently served as chair of the Homeland Security Advisory Council until 2020.
When William Webster left the bench to lead the FBI, he stated that he looked on the assignment as “a great adventure” and was doing so to “maintain the high standards and traditions of the FBI.” Speaking about Judge Webster’s time at the FBI, President Reagan said, “He does not look upon his nation's call to duty as something onerous, something to be endured. He looks upon it instead as something inviting, something even invigorating.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judge Webster’s wife, Lynda, and to the entire Webster family. Judge Webster, as President Reagan once said to you, “On behalf of the American people, I thank you for a job well done.” May you rest in peace.
# # #
Contact: Melissa Giller