In Memory of Corrections Officer IV Honorato Antones

The state of Texas has been significantly hard among law enforcement with COVID19. On Friday, September 3, 2021, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice informed residents of the tragic loss of one of their officers. Corrections Officer IV Honorato Antones passed away due to complications from contracting coronavirus. Officer Antones was 61 years old.

Officer Antones served with the TDCJ for over eight years. His most recent assignment and where he most likely contracted the virus was at the James V. Allred Correctional Institution. Those that knew Officer Antones remember his great sense of humor. TDCJ supervisors and co-workers spoke of how Antones’ spirit helped uplift other employees. In addition, officer Antones always completed his duties with integrity and fairness.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Today’s TDCJ was formed in 1989. The department was completely overhauled from its previous format, which had been initiated in 1848. It was at that time the state legislated that there should be a state penitentiary.

The department has grown to over 106 prisons, jails, institutions, and other corrections facilities. With that has come to an increase in the number of officers needed to run such vast complexes. There are over 37,000 employees that are with the TDCJ.

Corrections officers now face much more significant risk due to the COVID19 pandemic. Facilities such as prisons were built to house large populations, not for social distancing. The virus has run rampant through many facilities costing the lives of inmates, employees, officers, and nearby communities.

James V. Allred Correctional Institution

Located four miles northwest of Wichita Falls, the James V. Allred Correctional Institutions is a farm-to-market maximum security unit. Antones was last assigned to the Allred Unit. The institution can hold up to 3600 male inmates.

The Allred Unit does provide farm work, cattle, and other job training for the inmates. This unit allows inmates to earn some money, learn a trade, and return better to society. They also offer education, counseling, and other programs to help inmates each day and achieve a better future.

Remembrances

Corrections Officer IV Honorato Antones leaves behind his wife and three children. Many families have been devastated by the costs of this pandemic. Communities near some of these institutions hold each other up and will continue to do so in the years ahead. Law enforcement from agencies nearby will help with funeral services and the life celebration of Honorato Antones.

The news of another lost officer saddened Executive Director Bryan Collier. “We mourn the loss of Mr. Antones. I ask that you pray for peace and comfort for his friends and family during this difficult time.”

The National Fraternal Order of Police posted details of the loss for their readers. “Blessed Are The Peacemakers. Corrections Officer IV Honorato Antones. Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Correctional Institutions Division, Texas. EOW: Friday, September 3, 2021.”

Reserve Deputy Brian Jacobsen shared condolences with the family. “Corrections Officer IV Honorato Antones, thank you for your service. May God watch over you, your family, and all corrections officers during this most difficult time.”