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Incident
Several months earlier, Deputy Coleman had arrested Claud Rhodes for gambling or permitting gambling in his house. Rhodes had cursed the deputy and bad blood existed between the deputy and the Rhodes family. The sheriff had requested that Deputy Coleman maintain the peace on Election Day in the community of Waelder. Coleman was seen arresting at least one man and carrying him to jail. Ed Rhodes started questioning Coleman’s authority to make an arrest, and Coleman warned him that he would be arrested if he created a disturbance. Later Ed Rhodes did just that, and caused Deputy Coleman to order him again to be quiet or face arrest. Bill Rhodes, Claud’s father and Ed’s brother, started cursing Deputy Coleman and challenging his authority. Deputy Coleman drew his pistol and knocked Bill Rhodes to the ground. The family took Bill Rhodes into a store, and his son, Claud, furnished him with a pistol. Bill Rhodes charged the deputy and both men starting firing until their pistols were emptied, and then they struck each other with the empty weapons. Ed Rhodes then struck Deputy Coleman in the head with a billiard cue, and another brother named Yearby tried to stab the deputy. Coleman died the next day from two bullet wounds. Bill Rhodes lived another week and died from his wounds.
Claud, Yearby and Ed Rhodes were indicted for the murder of Coleman. The charges against Claud Rhodes were dismissed and it is unknown if Yearby Rhodes was ever tried. Ed Rhodes was tried, convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison. He appealed and the case was reversed and remanded for a new trial. It is unknown at this time if he was ever retried.
Deputy Sheriff Coleman was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters; his youngest daughter was born after his death.
Survivors
Deputy Sheriff Coleman was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters; his youngest daughter was born after his death.
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
130 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Coleman gave the Gonzales County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gonzales community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gonzales County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1896, 1 officer at Gonzales County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1901, with 2.
In 1896, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1896, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1896, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 38. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Gonzales County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 39; the middle age was 39. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 38. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert was 38. 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. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 20% of these deaths at Gonzales County Sheriff's Office; June holds the most, 40%. Wednesdays: 60%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Gonzales County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Gonzales County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Gonzales County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
