A Moment of Silence for Ellis County Officials & Employees Who Passed Away in 2022

2022 had its accomplishments, and 2022 had its losses. Let us have a moment of silence to remember the current & former Ellis County elected officials & employees who passed away in 2022.

We have made a best attempt to include all former officials & employees who passed away in 2022. However, it is not always possible to keep track of former employees. If you know of anyone who should be included, please feel free to post a short obituary with a photo in the comments.

Amber Lynn West was a devoted mother who worked in the Auditing Department from June 1st, 2022 until her unexpected death on February 11th, 2022. She is succeeded by her loving sons Elijah and Isaiah and will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to call her a co-worker and friend.

Mark Anthony Thornton, Sr. worked in the Sheriff’s Office Maintenance Department, and as a lifelong auto enthusiast, was known to be able to fix anything he touched. He was a family man who enjoyed golfing, fishing, and what his family fondly describes as “Pa-Pa activities” with his grandchildren. Mark passed away at age 62 on March 25th, 2022.

William “Bill” Woody served in Ellis County as a Constable for twelve years and as a Justice of the Peace for sixteen. Previously, he served in the United States Army Reserve and the Dallas Fire Department for 27 years. He was a member of both the Bardwell and Ennis Masonic Lodges, the Professional Cowboy & Rodeo Association, American Legion, and the Ennis Chamber of Commerce. Judge Woody passed away at age 81 on June 3rd, 2022.

Ron Wesley Gillespie served as Commissioner for Precinct 2 from 1987 through 1990. He also served in the Army National Guard, worked at Ennis Business Forms & Texas Farm Bureau, and befriended many in the Ennis Kiwanis Club, United Methodist Church of Ennis, and the Masonic Lodge. Commissioner Gillespie passed away at age 77 on September 16th, 2022.

Marvin Clifton “Cliff” Wammack served as Commissioner for Precinct 4 from 1987 through 1990. After graduating from Waxahachie High School in 1967, he served in the Army in Vietnam. Upon returning, he began a successful farming venture, became a brand inspector for the State of Texas, and operated the Red Oak Valley Golf Club with his wife Connie until retiring in 2019. Commissioner Wammack passed away at age 72 on October 20th, 2022.

Delbert George Sauers served in the Ellis County Texas Department of Public Safety Office. Previously, he served in the U.S. Navy in Guam and led an accomplished career in the Federal Bureau of Prisons – a law enforcement journey that took him from Pennsylvania to New York, and from Illinois & Maryland to Texas. Officer Sauers passed away at age 59 on October 22nd, 2022.

James Thomas Fabby served as a Sheriff’s Deputy until retirement. He was a lifelong cowboy who served proudly in the Marine Corps, and according to his family, was “a true patriot.” Despite his lifetime of honorable service, he always considered his first duty to serve his family and enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish. Deputy Fabby passed away at age 79 on Christmas Day, 2022.

May we always cherish the memory of our fellow citizens who took upon the duties of public service in Ellis County, and may we strive to uphold their example of integrity, leadership, and honor.

#publicservice #memorial #employeerecognition