Sheriff Gary Painter

Gary Wayne Painter, 72 of Midland, passed away on Sunday, May 26. Gary was born on April 2, 1947 in Amherst, TX to the late Wayne and Ella Beth (Pemberton) Painter.He was raised on a cotton and grain farm in Edmonson, TX where he graduated from Plainview High School in 1965. Dedicated to academics he attended Draughon’s Business School in Lubbock, Texas. In 1966, Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two tours of duty in Vietnam along the DMZ and outside of Danang. Distinguishing himself on the battlefield, Gary earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Ribbon with 6 devices, the Presidential Unit Commendation, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Sergeant on Aug 31, 1970, at which time Gary embarked on his law enforcement career by hiring on with the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Highway Patrolman in September 1970.Always one to broaden his horizons, Gary served tours of duty with the Culberson County Sheriff’s Office and the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office, where he continued on his academic achievements by graduating with a Bachelor in Science Degree in Police Administration from Sul Ross State University. He further worked with the Midland Police Department before landing his ultimate place with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office in 1982. Gary worked his way up through the ranks from the Detention Division to Criminal Investigations to Patrol Lieutenant. On January 1, 1985, Gary Painter ran for and took office as Sheriff of Midland County and never looked back.Gary was one of the State of Texas Sheriff’s with the most tenure. He was currently serving in his 9th term in office spanning over 34 years as Sheriff of Midland County. He made many improvements to the Midland County Sheriff’s Office and through his initiative, a new Sheriff’s Office and modern detention facility which were built in 1990. Always one to implement new technology that is beneficial to the law enforcement profession, Gary proved to be a man of vision, bringing technology to allow the Midland County Sheriff’s Office personnel to work faster and smarter, thus keeping law enforcement ahead of the criminals. Gary was committed to Midland County and its residents as he continued to strive to provide a safe environment for all the citizens and continued to make Midland County a good place to have a home and raise a family.Gary was born a leader of men. He organized the first multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force in West Texas and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Unit. He was the moving force in creating the Permian Basin Peace Officers Association, was one of the original founders of STAR (Sheriffs of Texas Agreed Response).As a pillar in the community, he was a member and leader in numerous civic clubs. Gary was a Master Mason, a staunch Republican, a devout Baptist, heartfelt supporter of the Hunt for Heroes and Wounded Warrior Project and served as a past president of the Downtown Lions Club from 2003 to 2004. Gary’s hard work and leadership has been recognized by numerous organizations including the 200 Club where Gary was awarded their Officer of the Year Award for 1988 and 1991. Recognized for his leadership abilities, Gary is a past President of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas with a lifetime membership, he also serves on the Legislative Committee and Technology Committee of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, where he combated proposed anti law enforcement legislation every day, and is currently the President of the Western States Sheriff’s Association. In 2016, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Gary as a Commissioner on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles after serving 7 years on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, having been appointed by former Texas Governor Rick Perry.Gary is survived by his wife of 40 years Patsy A. (Oaks) Painter, daughters Sandy Stewart and Jennifer Painter of Midland, son Justin (Tonya) Painter of Splendora TX, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sister Jane Pennington of Amarillo TX, and numerous cousins, friends, and family in blue.Gary was preceded in death by his parents.A family and law enforcement visitation will begin at 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 29 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Public viewing will be at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Thursday, May 30 at the Midland County Horseshoe. Services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, May 30 at the Horseshoe. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Midland County Sheriff’s Office.Arrangements are under the direction of Nally-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com,