A former sheriff has died
Posted/updated on: July 21, 2026 at 3:08 am
RUSK COUNTY – Residents are mourning the recent death of former Rusk County Sheriff Danny Pirtle, who died last week.
The Kilgore Police Department said former Pirtle, who died at 80 on Friday, spent most of his life protecting East Texas residents. Before becoming the sheriff of Rusk County, Pirtle served as a supervisor in criminal investigations for the police department.
“We lost a great man on Friday night. Sheriff Pirtle has gone on to be with our Lord,” the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said. “He was a devoted husband, father and sheriff of our county. Keep his family in your prayers.”
According to his obituary, Pirtle’s funeral has been scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Henderson. A private family burial will be held at Laneville Cemetery at a later date.
