Memorials

In 1919, Game Warden Harry Raymond served on the Law Enforcement Boat “Reliance” which was anchored at Aransas Pass. The Reliance was used in patrolling the waters of Corpus Christi Bay. At the approach of a hurricane, Warden Raymond and Captain Joe Williams tried to reach the Reliance to put out more anchors to try to secure the boat. Both men were washed away by the storm. The bodies of both Warden Harry Raymond and Captain Williams were found later where they had been washed by the storm.

In 1919, Game Warden Harry Raymond was the Captain of the Law Enforcement Boat “Reliance” which was anchored at Aransas Pass. The Reliance was used in patrolling the waters of Corpus Christi Bay. At the approach of a hurricane, Captain Williams and his assistance, Warden Raymond, tried to reach the Reliance to put out more anchors to try to secure the boat. Both men were washed away by the storm. The bodies of both Warden Captain Williams and Harry Raymond were found later where they had been washed by the storm.

On December 29, 1938, Game Warden Murchison was murdered while trying to arrest a foot hunter on the King ranch near the site now known as Murchison Lake. The lake is near the county line between Kleberg and Jim Wells counties, South of Benbolt, Texas. The murderer fled into Mexico and has never been to trial for Warden Murchison’s murder. Warden Murchison was survived by his wife, three sons, Howard, Richard and Tommie; and two daughters, Bobbie Lee and Mrs. Malcolm Maurice.

November 1, 1948, Game Warden R. M. Wynne was on routine patrol for fish and game violations when he was involved in a fatal car crash near Amarillo, Texas. There is no other information available concerning this accident.

On December 14, 1951, Gus was patrolling for game violations in an area of the game refuge known as Catfish Creek when he came upon a man illegally hunting ducks. The man was known to Gus and has a history of illegal hunting. The man shot and killed Gus, then escaped. Warden Engeling’s body was found four days later and the murderer’s eyeglasses were found at the scene. The murderer was caught, confessed to the crime, was convicted and the death penalty was carried out. Gus was survived by his wife, Lisa and two sons and a daughter.

On February 22, 1956 Warden Keller was killed in a plane crash in the Laguna Madre, approximately seven miles south of Kleberg, Nueces county line. He and Game Warden Charlie Edmondson of Cuero were flying at a low altitude, patrolling the Laguna Madre for illegal netting activities when the crash occurred. Warden Keller was killed instantly. Warden Edmondson was hospitalized with severe injuries but recovered. Warden Keller was survived by his wife and a son, who was an infant at the time of his death.

On December 8, 1963 Warden Murphree was murdered near Mauriceville in Jasper County where he was working duck hunters. He was shot by a young duck hunter who had been hunting illegally. Warden Murphree was survived by his wife and three children, Joel Lynn, Linda Kay, and Wesley Edward.

On May 6, 1965 Warden Evans was killed in a car wreck in Young County while on duty. There were no witnesses to the accident and the cause is unknown. Warden Evans was survived by his wife.

On March 25, 1968, Warden Gustin and a Corps of Engineers Officer were patrolling Lake Somerville in a jet powered boat when the exhaust hose parted, filling the boat with water and causing it to sink immediately. Warden Gustin was trapped in the boat and drowned. Warden Gustin was survived by his wife, Wanda, and three sons, Ronald, Darrell and Wade.

On July 29, 1973 Ronnie and Game Warden Barry Decker stopped at a house in a remote area of San Augustine County to question a man about fish and game violations. When confronted, the man shot Warden Germany in the shoulder. While Warden Decker went for help, the suspect apparently sneaked up on Warden Germany and another confrontation ensued, with Warden Germany being shot in the head and killed. Ronnie was survived by his wife, Belinda.

On the night of December 8, 1978, Jim was patrolling for night hunters in south McMullen County when his patrol vehicle was struck head-on by a pickup truck containing rifles, spotlights, and other hunting paraphernalia. Jim was killed instantly in the collision, as was the driver of the pickup truck. It was determined that the pickup truck was being driven with the lights off at the time of the collision. Jim was survived by his wife, Cynthia Ann, two daughters, Laura Kay and Jean Ann, and a son James Eugene III.

On May 26, 1990, at approximately 10:00 pm, Bruce and fellow Game Warden Barry Decker were patrolling Lake Murvaul in Panola County. There is evidence that their patrol boat hit a partially submerged stump. Beyond that, there is very little evidence to show what actually happened. Both of the Wardens drowned. Bruce was survived by his wife, Gwen, and his daughter Dawn.

On May 26, 1990 at approximately 10:00 pm, Barry and fellow Game Warden Bruce Hill were patrolling Lake Murvaul in Panola County. There is evidence that their patrol boat hit a partially submerged stump. Beyond that, there is very little evidence to show what actually happened. Both of the Wardens drowned. Barry was survived by a son, Brad and a daughter, Shannon.

On August 2, 2001 near Port Aurthur, Texas Game Warden Michael Pauling stopped to assist a woman that was in a domestic violence situation. After talking with her in his vehicle, he returned to her Significant Other’s vehicle where he and her kids were. It is not known for sure what took place but the vehicle took off at a high speed with Game Warden Pauling in tow. The woman pursued in Pauling’s vehicle. Pauling was thrown to the ground and ran over by his own vehicle and a van that followed. Michael was survived by his wife and two sons.

On August 5, 2003 Game Warden Wesley Wagstaff was killed in an automobile accident on Farm Road 1293 in Hardin County, Texas, while responding to reports of a man hunting deer out of season. Warden Wagstaff’s patrol pickup collided with another vehicle head-on. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed in the accident. Game Warden Wagstaff had been employed with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 10 years, and is survived by his wife, son, and parents.

On March 17, 2007 Warden Justin Hurst was shot and killed by a suspect in Wharton County following a high speed pursuit on US Route 90-A. The suspect had fled after he was approached by another warden who suspected him of illegally hunting from the roadside. Warden Hurst was called as back-up, and he and officers from other agencies pursued the suspect through two counties. The suspect then exchanged shots with the officers, mortally wounding Warden Hurst. Warden Hurst was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the early morning hours the following day, his 34th birthday. The killer was shot and wounded by sheriff’s deputies during the exchange. He was taken into custody and charged with capital murder. Warden Hurst graduated from the academy to become a warden in August of 2002. He is survived by his wife, 4-month-old son, parents, and brother.

On May 30, 2007 Warden Ty Patterson drowned while he and his partner attempted to recover the body of a previous drowning victim from the Paluxy River when their boat capsized. Warden Patterson assisted his partner reach safety while struggling in the water. His partner suffered near drowning injuries. Both wardens were transported to a hospital in Fort Worth, where Warden Patterson was pronounced dead. Warden Patterson had served with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 2 years. He is survived by his parents.

On October 10, 2008 Game Warden George Whatley suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in a required physical fitness assessment at Fort Stockton High School. He and several other game wardens had completed a series of physical exercises when he stated he felt ill. He went to a shaded area to sit down and rest. A short time later he was found slumped over. Another game warden with paramedic training immediately tended to him as rescue crews were called. He was transported to Fort Stockton Hospital where he passed away approximately one hour later. Game Warden Whatley had served with the agency for 1 year. He is survived by his wife and two sons.