Elwood Wayne Hoherz

He was born on October 20, 1937, at home in Hamilton County, the first child of Louie and Elveta Hoherz. His sister Carol joined him in 1939, brother Gene in 1944, and sister Gloria in 1951. He grew up in the Ireland community surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He played six-man football and graduated as salutatorian from Jonesboro High School in 1955. After high school, Elwood attended the American Institute of Banking. He worked in the banking business for six years, including five years at Hamilton National Bank.

In February 1962, he was drafted into the United States Army and served at Fort Hood, Fort Leonard Wood, and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1964.

Elwood earned his Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from McLennan Community College and later his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Baylor University.

Elwood dedicated much of his life to law enforcement, proudly serving across the state of Texas. His interest in criminal justice was ignited before he joined the Army after an overnight ride-along with his cousin, a patrolman for the Waco Police Department. He would later describe that night, in which he sometimes had to share the back seat with the offenders, as the most interesting eight hours of his life up to that point.

After his discharge from the Army, Elwood started working for the Waco Police Department. In 1965, he left to serve as a Law Enforcement Officer with the Liquor Control Board (now the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission). He returned to Waco in 1968 to pursue his degree and worked for the Waco PD again. In his time with them, he served as supervisor for juvenile detectives, platoon supervisor in patrol, supervisor of vice and narcotics, and then as the assistant to the Chief of Police.

Elwood was named Chief of Police in Big Spring, Texas, in 1980. He left that position in 1982 to move closer to home and became the Chief of Police for Weatherford. He would serve there until 1989. Elwood then became the Chief Deputy Sheriff for Comal County and worked there until his retirement in June of 1996. In 1998, he returned to service as interim Chief of Police for the City of Stephenville. His work with law enforcement also extended to teaching Criminal Justice classes at Tarleton State University.

Elwood served as President of the Waco Police Association and was named an honorary member of the National Criminal Justice Society. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Colleagues from his years on the force made note of Elwood’s high level of integrity, honorability, and honesty, but he was also lovingly known as a big worrier. He could also regale friends and family with stories of some of the many interesting cases he was involved with, including the time he had to deliver a baby on the side of the road. However, despite his many adventures and achievements, Elwood was a man of deep humility.

Although intimidating in size and in his career, Elwood was known by his family for his gentle spirit and loving heart. He was a lifelong Methodist, his faith having been fostered as a child at the Bethel Methodist Church in Ireland, a church that was started by his great-grandparents on both sides of his family. He loved the American West and made many trips to New Mexico, Colorado, and far west Texas after his retirement. He loved sharing stories about his travels.

He was an avid Baylor Bears football fan and followed Texas High School football rankings every season. His love of sports extended to horse racing, and he loved attending the races in Fredericksburg. He was always excited about the Olympics, watching them on TV until his last day.

Elwood was preceded in death by his parents, Ludwig (Louie) and Elveta (Krueger) Hoherz, his brother Gene Hoherz, brother-in-law Tommy Jackson, and his stepson, Russell Cowan. He is survived by his sister, Carol Jackson; sister-in-law, Brenda Hoherz; his sister, Gloria Stephens; and husband, Rick; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 am, and funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 4, at the Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton, Texas. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Ireland, Texas.