Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Rex St. John was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver as he responded to a fight in progress. The collision occurred at the four-way stop intersection of State Highway 72 and FM 81. The impact knocked both vehicles into the Runge Museum. Witnesses managed to pull the 21-year-old driver, a passenger in the drunk driver's vehicle, and Deputy St. John from their cars just before they burst into flames. The flames spread to the neighboring Runge Museum which ultimately burned to the ground. The 20-year-old passenger was killed at the scene. Deputy St. John was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Deputy St. John had served with the Karnes County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, mother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-916F8267- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff St. John gave the Karnes County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Karnes City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff St. John.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Rex Harrison St. John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Karnes County Sheriff's Office, 7 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Rex Harrison St. John's cause is highlighted.
How Rex Harrison St. John Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Rex Harrison St. John is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Rex Harrison St. John was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Karnes County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
