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Incident
Deputy Tom Willis was shot and killed as another deputy struggled with a knife-wielding man at a dance near Odem.
The deputies had gone to the dance to keep order. A man at the dance started to create a disturbance and pulled a knife on the deputies when they attempted to intervene.
As one of the deputies struggled with the man, the deputy's gun discharged. The round struck Deputy Willis, killing him.
The suspect attempted to flee but was shot and killed by the other deputies.
Deputy Tom Willis is buried in the Bethel Cemetery in Odem in San Patricio County.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Willis served with the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sinton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Willis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Patricio County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Tom is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Tom is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Tom is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1915, 16 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at San Patricio County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
San Patricio County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, Tom among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from San Patricio County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
