Gary Wayne Painter - Sheriff

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.