The Chambers County, Texas, community is mourning the loss of Constable John Mulryan, a beloved peace officer and devoted public servant who passed away on September 7, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mulryan, who served the residents of Chambers County with distinction for many years, was remembered by colleagues, friends, and family as a gentle giant with a kind heart and an unwavering commitment to the community he loved. His death has left a profound void in the lives of all who knew him.
Mulryan’s passing was announced by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office in a statement that captured the deep sorrow felt by the law enforcement community and the broader public. In the statement, Sheriff Brian Hawthorne described Mulryan as more than a fellow peace officer. “He was a true servant,” Hawthorne said. “We will always remember his kind heart and the love he had for his community.” The statement also expressed gratitude to Mulryan’s family for the sacrifices they made, allowing him to devote so much of his life to serving others.
Born in 1958, John Mulryan dedicated his life to public service. He served as a constable in Chambers County, a position that placed him at the heart of the community. His responsibilities included serving warrants, providing court security, and engaging with residents on a daily basis. But for those who knew him, his title was secondary to the person he was. He was known for his approachable demeanor, his willingness to listen, and his ability to de-escalate tense situations with calmness and compassion. He was a peacemaker in the truest sense of the word, and his presence brought reassurance to those he served.
Colleagues and community members have shared an outpouring of tributes in the days following his death. Many described Mulryan as a “gentle giant,” a phrase that captures both his physical presence and his gentle spirit. He had a way of making people feel safe and valued, whether he was helping a resident with a legal matter, offering encouragement to a young person, or simply sharing a kind word with a neighbor. His ability to connect with people was one of his greatest strengths, and it allowed him to bridge divides and build trust in ways that few others could.
Sheriff Hawthorne’s tribute to Mulryan included a verse from the Bible, Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” The verse was a fitting tribute to a man whose life was defined by his commitment to peace, justice, and service. For Mulryan, serving as a peace officer was not just a job; it was a calling, one that he pursued with integrity, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty.
Mulryan was also deeply involved in the Chambers County community beyond his official duties. He often participated in community events, visited schools, and offered mentorship to young people considering careers in law enforcement. He believed in the importance of building strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and his efforts helped foster a sense of mutual respect and cooperation that extended far beyond his tenure as constable. He was known to attend church functions, neighborhood gatherings, and local events, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer encouragement.
His battle with cancer was a private struggle, but one that he faced with courage and resilience. He continued to serve as long as his health allowed, and his dedication to his community remained unwavering even as his illness progressed. Those who knew him during this time have spoken of his determination to remain active and involved, and his strength in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who witnessed it.
His passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from across Chambers County and the broader law enforcement community. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, local officials, and residents, all of whom have expressed their admiration for a man who gave so much of himself to others. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office has announced that flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor, and plans for a public memorial service are being finalized.
Mulryan’s family has been at the forefront of the community’s thoughts and prayers. Sheriff Hawthorne’s statement acknowledged the sacrifices his family made so that he could serve the community, and he extended heartfelt condolences to them on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office. “We thank you for sharing him with us,” the statement read. “We will never forget the man he was, and we will forever be proud to call him our friend.”
The loss of Constable John Mulryan is a devastating blow to the Chambers County community. He was a man who dedicated his life to the service of others, and his legacy will endure through the many lives he touched. His kindness, integrity, and humility set an example for all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
As Chambers County comes together to mourn the loss of one of its finest, they will also celebrate the life of a man who embodied the values of service, compassion, and faith. Constable John Mulryan’s story is one of dedication, love, and the profound impact that one person can have on a community. Rest in peace, John Mulryan. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will never be forgotten. Condolences are extended to his family, his friends, and all who are mourning his passing. May they find comfort in the knowledge that his life was one of meaning and purpose, and that his example will continue to guide and inspire the Chambers County community for generations to come.
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