West Texas Mourns Loss Of Deputy Sheriff Bobby Votaw

The Big Country is mourning the loss of Taylor County Deputy Sheriff Bobby Joe Votaw, who passed away on Wednesday, September 9, following serious medical issues. He was 48 years old.

This is one of those articles I never wanted to write. I knew Bobby, and my heart is broken for his family, friends, fellow deputies, and everyone whose life was touched by this great human.

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West Texas Has Lost a Great Man

Back in the spring, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and Taylor County Sheriff’s Association organized a hamburger luncheon and raffle to assist Bobby and his family with mounting medical expenses.

The response demonstrated what makes West Texas so special. Deputies stood shoulder to shoulder with one of their own, while people from across the Big Country showed up, bought hamburgers, purchased raffle tickets, donated money, and prayed for the Votaw family.

At the time, Detective Lee Kidwell said, “When one of our deputy coworkers is affected, it affects all of us.”

Today, we understand the full weight of those words. Bobby’s passing affects all of us.

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The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office announced his passing with profound sadness, describing it as a tremendous loss to his family, friends, fellow deputies, and the entire law-enforcement community.

“May his service be remembered, his sacrifice honored, and his legacy never forgotten,” the Sheriff’s Office shared.

Those words are fitting for a man who dedicated himself to serving and protecting others. Bobby wore the badge, but his service went far beyond a uniform. He was part of this community, and the outpouring of love shown during his illness revealed how much he meant to the people around him.

Services for Deputy Bobby Votaw

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, September 18, at Beltway Park Church South Campus, 4009 Beltway South. Burial will follow at Tye Cemetery.

To Deputy Bobby Votaw, thank you for your service, your courage and your dedication to our community. West Texas has lost a great man, but the example he set will not be forgotten.

My most heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the Votaw family and to Bobby’s brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

Father God, thank You for allowing us to know Bobby Votaw. Please welcome him into Your loving arms, comfort his family, and give strength to all those grieving his loss.

May God bless him and keep him. Amen.