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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Larry Dowdy was killed when his patrol car was struck on the passenger's side by a tractor-trailer at the intersection of FM 1996 and Highway 84 at 1:00 am.
At the time of the crash, Deputy Dowdy attempting to stop a suspect involved in the manufacturing of illegal drugs. The man refused to stop and fled on FM 1996 across Highway 84. Deputy Dowdy's patrol car was struck as he pursued the vehicle.
Deputy Dowdy was a military veteran. He had served with the Coryell County Sheriff's Department for three years and had previously served with the Texas Department of Corrections for 20 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Dowdy gave the Coryell County Sheriff's Office 23 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gatesville community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Larry Mack Dowdy served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Coryell County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Larry is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Larry is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Larry is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2002, 7 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2002, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Larry was 55. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Larry had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Larry was 55. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Larry had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Larry was 55. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Larry had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.1% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Saturdays: 18%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Coryell County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.7% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Coryell County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Larry among them.
Where
Military Service
Larry Mack Dowdy served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Larry Mack Dowdy’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Coryell County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
