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Incident
Deputy Lamkin succumbed to gunshot wounds received two weeks earlier when he came upon a burglary in progress while on patrol. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking him several times. The suspect also struck him with his vehicle as he fled.
The suspect was sentenced to 50 years in prison for murdering Deputy Lamkin. On June 19, 1936, he and another inmate murdered Guard Felix Smith as they escaped from prison. They were both recaptured and the suspect was sentenced to death for murdering the prison guard. He was executed in the electric chair on August 20, 1937. The second inmate was sentenced to 60 years for murdering Guard Smith.
Deputy Lamkin was survived by his wife and five children.
Survivors
Deputy Lamkin was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Lamkin served with the Nolan County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Sweetwater community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lamkin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nolan County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 16 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 57. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
John was 57. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 57. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Nolan County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Nolan County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Nolan County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
