06/24/2026
Jane and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Knox County Sheriff Mendoza. A veteran and dedicated public servant, Sheriff Mendoza left a lasting impact on his community.
Our prayers are with his family, friends, deputies, and the entire Knox County community.
It is with broken hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sheriff Mendoza.
Today, Knox County lost more than a Sheriff. We lost a leader, a mentor, a protector, and a friend. We lost a man who dedicated his entire adult life to serving others before himself.
Sheriff Mendoza proudly served our nation for 4 years in the United States Army, answering the call to defend our country. When his military service ended, his commitment to serving others did not. He continued that calling in law enforcement, dedicating over two decades to protecting the people of Knox County and the surrounding communities.
His journey began as a Deputy Sheriff. Through hard work, dedication, and a heart for service, he became Chief of Police in Knox City, then Chief of Police in Munday, and ultimately the Sheriff of Knox County. Every badge he wore and every title he held was earned through sacrifice, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people he served.
For those who worked beside him, Sheriff Mendoza was more than a boss. He was the steady voice during difficult times, the person who would answer the phone no matter the hour, and the man who always put his community and his deputies first. He believed in people, believed in service, and believed that taking care of others was one of life's greatest responsibilities.
The roads of Knox County will feel a little emptier. The Sheriff's Office will be a little quieter. The communities he loved will never be quite the same. His boots may no longer walk these halls, but his legacy will remain in every deputy he mentored, every life he touched, and every citizen he served.
While our hearts ache, we find comfort in knowing that his service here is complete. His watch has ended, but the impact he made will live on for generations.
Please join us in praying for the Mendoza family, his friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Sheriff, thank you for your service, your leadership, your friendship, and your sacrifice. We will carry on the mission, and we will never forget you.
Rest easy, Sheriff Mendoza. We'll take it from here.