Prev
Incident
Deputy Thomas Nowlin was shot and killed in San Sabo County while serving a warrant issued in Jeff Davis County. Deputy Nowlin, accompanied by a citizen, had gone to the man's home which was just over the county line. When they approached the home the man came out of the house with a shotgun.
Because the man was known to Deputy Nowlin, he informed him that he had a warrant for him. As the two discussed it Deputy Nowlin provided the warrant and the man began to read it. While reading it, the suspect suddenly raised his shotgun and fired at Deputy Nowlin, striking him. The citizen immediately went for help and returned with a doctor. Deputy Nowlin succumbed to his wound two hours later.
The suspect was arrested and charged with Deputy Nowlin's murder. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Deputy Nowlin had only served with the agency for 1 month.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpz07td5gagd810zz1eb- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thomas. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
138 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Acting Deputy Sheriff Nowlin served with the Llano County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Llano community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Llano County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1888, 6 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1888, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1888, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 25. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Thomas had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Thomas was 25. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Llano County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Llano County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Llano County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
