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Incident
Constable William Tipps was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a man for concealing stolen property.
At approximately 1200 hours, Constable Tipps and three other constables went to the home of the suspect with an arrest warrant. When the suspect was approached and informed that he would arrested, the suspect appeared to comply, but he then drew a .32 caliber pistol and shot and mortally wounded Constable Tipps.
Constable Tipps was taken to Baylor Hospital in Dallas where he died later that same day.
The 49-year-old suspect was charged with murder, and tried in Van Zandt County. On February 4, 1927 a jury found him guilty and sentenced him to the State penitentiary for a term of ninety-nine years. In 1935 he was transferred to Rusk Insane Asylum and died there on October 7, 1939.
Constable Tipps was survived by his wife, two sons, and five daughters. He is buried in the Prairie Springs Cemetery off Highway 64, between Ben Wheeler and Canton, Texas.
Survivors
Constable Tipps was survived by his wife, two sons, and five daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Tipps served with the Van Zandt County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Canton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Tipps.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Van Zandt County Constable's Office - Precinct 7 remembered here.
William is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1926, 13 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 59. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
William was 59. 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.
William was 59. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Van Zandt County Constable's Office - Precinct 7. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 100% 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; .32 caliber, in 0.2% 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; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Van Zandt County Constable's Office - Precinct 7 are honored on badge.nw.