In Memory of Reserve Deputy Sheriff Tom Larry Hoobler
Texas Officer Has Fatal Heart Attack on Duty
On Saturday, July 12, 2021, Texas authorities informed residents of the loss of a local reserve deputy. Unfortunately, the officer’s death was most likely induced by the heat and humidity of the day. As a result, authorities made it clear that Texas residents should heed any weather warnings, stay out of the heat whenever possible, and drink plenty of water.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff Tom Hoobler, age 74, suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty. The elderly law enforcement officer had been helping to direct traffic during the Childress Old Settlers Rodeo Parade. It had been sweltering and humid for most of the day. After Hoobler finished directing traffic, he took another call. He went to assist a traffic trailer that had broken down on US 287 just east of Childress. Hoobler called for a tow truck and waited in his patrol car. While cooling off and waiting, Hoobler suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away sitting in his patrol car.
Larry Hoobler was well known to everyone in the area. He had been born on December 24, 1946, surprising his parents for Christmas. The family was in Pampa, Texas, when he was born. Larry graduated from West Texas State University in 1970. He then went to work for the Texas Department of Health, from which he retired. After retirement, Hoobler still wanted to give back and help his community. Hoobler became a law enforcement officer when he joined the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office. He later joined the Childress County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy.
Childress County Sheriff’s Office
Reserve Deputy Hoobler had served as a law enforcement officer for the last 18 years with the Childress County Sheriff’s Office. He served the people of Childress County.
The county was organized in 1887 and was named for George Campbell Childress, who authored the Texas Declaration of Independence. Childress is a wide-open and sparsely populated community. Deputies with the CCSO would patrol 714 square miles, serving a population of approximately 7100 residents. This county has an average of 10 residents per square mile.
Remembrances
Reserve Deputy Tom Larry Hoobler is survived by his wife, two daughters, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a brother. So many family members, neighbors, and community members looked up to Hoobler. All his friends, family, residents, and fellow law enforcement officers will join together to celebrate his life and thank him for his sacrifice in keeping them all safe. So many will continue to support the Hoobler family as they get through these difficult times.
The Dowis family posted condolences and shared gratitude online for the Hoobler family. “Tom, thank you for all of the kindness and love you have shown to the Dowis family over the years. You are deeply missed.”
Julia Patorska commented on the loss and described Hoobler as gentle-hearted. “Tom Hoobler brought so many gifts to my life. Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in my heart. May he rest in peace!”
The Childress County Sheriff’s Office posted the devastating news of Hoobler’s passing on their Facebook page. “It is with great sadness that I make this post. Childress County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Tom Hoobler has passed away yesterday, July 17, 2021. Deputy Hoobler had been with this office since July of 2003 and was on duty at the time of his passing. He had been called to a stranded motorist on U.S. 287 just east of Childress. A tractor-trailer was partially on the roadway, and he was waiting for a wrecker to arrive. Tom was sitting in his patrol car with the overhead lights on to protect the motoring public from the hazard when he quietly passed away. Tom’s passing has left a huge hole not only with this office but the community as well.”
