Longtime Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter passes away
MIDLAND COUNTY, TX. May 27 2019 Longtime Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter has passed away at his home, Chief Deputy Rory McKinney tells CBS7.
The Midland County Sheriff’s Office released the following on his passing:
On Sunday morning just after midnight, Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter was found unresponsive at his residence. A ambulance was dispatched and EMS personnel attempted to revive Sheriff Painter but were unsuccessful. Sheriff Painter was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace David Cobos.
Funeral arrangements are pending at this time and will be made public at a later date.
Please keep Sheriff Painter’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
According to the Midland County Sheriff’s Office website, Painter was born in Amherst, Texas and grew up in the farming community of Edmonson.
In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.
Painter began his career in law enforcement in 1970. He served with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Culberson County Sheriff’s Office, Presidio County Sheriff’s Office and the Midland Police Department before starting with MCSO in 1982.
Painter served as the Midland County Sheriff for over 33 years.
He is survived by his wife Patsy, five children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Law enforcement agencies and community members across West Texas have spoken on what Sheriff Painter’s longtime service meant to them.
Midland County District Attorney Laura Nodolf released the following on Sheriff Painter’s passing:
The Midland County District Attorney’s Office wishes to honor the life of Midland County Sheriff, Gary Painter. Sheriff Painter gave his all to his family, his country, and the citizens of Midland County. From his service in the Marine Corps to patrolling Midland County late at night, Sheriff Painter continued to give his all to his final days. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Midland County Sheriff’s Department, and the entire community.
Chief Seth Herman of the Midland Police Department posted a statement on the department’s Facebook page:
It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of a true law enforcement professional. Sheriff Gary Painter served with the utmost distinction throughout his career as both a United States Marine and law enforcement official – serving as an example to all who wear the badge. He exemplified those traits most desired in our public servants; honor, courage, selflessness. His leadership will be missed, but his indelible legacy shall live on through those he inspired – myself included.
Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis chimed in on the sheriff’s office Facebook page:
He was very respected and had some very good and useful advice for myself and others. He leaves quite a legacy. A legacy that many of us could only dream of.
God Speed Sheriff Painter, Rest In Peace, I thank you for your service, advice, and friendship.
Blessed are the Peacemakers !! My continuing prayers for Patsy Painter and the entire family, and MCSO family.
Odessa Police Department shared a statement from Chief Michael Gerke:
We are with you in this time of loss. Sheriff Painter was the Dean of West Texas law enforcement and a true legend across the state of Texas. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
Social media on Sunday was full of many other memorials and tributes to Painter.
The Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office, Upton County Sheriff’s Office, Brewster County Sheriff’s Office, Big Spring Police Department, Andrews Volunteer Fire Department and Texas DMW are others that sent their thoughts and prayers to the Painter family and MCSO.
KOSA
