Gene Edward Hermes

Gene Edward Hermes was born in Kennedy, Texas on April 26, 1966, to Fabian Paul and Clara Bell Hermes and passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 59, at his home in Caldwell, Texas. Gene grew up in South Texas with his sister and three brothers. At the age of fourteen, his family moved to Caldwell, Texas, where Gene would meet the love of his life. Gene loved to dance and one great night in Rockdale, Texas, Gene got the courage to ask a beautiful girl named Sherri to dance. From that moment on, Gene was captivated by her and knew he would someday marry her. She was his first love, and they were married on August 19, 1989. Gene and Sherri shared many years together spending time working at their home and on their land. After 13 years of marriage Gene and Sherri decided to add a member to their family; Gene was the happiest person in the world when he found out they would be having a baby. The second love of Gene’s life was born, Caylee Nicole, who became more important to Gene than life itself. Gene always made sure his family was safe, and they could depend on him for everything they needed.

Gene loved hunting and fishing, going camping with his nephews Travis and Cody and their friend Josh, organizing campouts with family and friends, shooting guns, and of course everyone knows he loved collecting guns and barbeque pits – many of which he helped design and build. He loved barbecuing, and his brisket was a favorite of family and friends. For many years, the Hermes household hosted celebrations each year for family and friends, starting with Caylee’s birthday in February, followed by the “April birthdays” party, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and July 4th. Gene loved to barbecue and was the coordinator of these celebrations making sure they happened each year as he felt strongly that family should get together regularly.

Gene started his working career very early in life. Gene could do most anything and was always willing to try new jobs. He went to work for the City of Caldwell where he made life-long friends. Gene had a number of great mentors in his life, one being his boss Johnny Price at the City of Caldwell. Johnny taught Gene the value of hard work and its rewards and gave him the opportunity to excel as much as possible. Gene ran heavy equipment for the street department and became very skilled at it – so much so that he could remove a label from a Coke bottle with a Gradall machine without breaking it.

After 15 years of working for the street department, Gene enrolled in the police academy. After graduating, Gene began working reserve shifts for the Caldwell Police Department, while still working in the street department.

Gene’s law enforcement career would soon become a big part of his life. Gene earned his Master Peace Officer Certification and served with the Caldwell Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, and finally the Burleson County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Dale Stroud. Gene cherished his time working for Sheriff Stroud where he was taught the true meaning of being a peace officer – serving the citizens of our county. Gene’s career became very successful because of this mentoring. Gene was promoted to the Investigative Division where he made several friends from other law enforcement agencies and was so honored to work with the FBI, ATF, Homeland Security, Texas Rangers, Federal and State Prosecutors and many others. Gene also enjoyed his volunteer work with the Caldwell Fire Department where he was a member from 1991 – 2005. He was a member of Burleson County Cops for Kids and served 26 years as the City of Caldwell Fire Marshall from 1998 – 2024. He was also a member of First Baptist Church Caldwell for over 35 years.

In 2019, Gene was given the opportunity to run for Sheriff of Burleson County. He worked very hard to gain the public’s trust and confidence and was elected in March of 2020 as the Burleson County Sheriff. Gene’s next four years would be so rewarding as he was able to serve the Burleson County community.

In 2023, when faced with the decision whether to run again for the office of Sheriff. Gene did not hesitate, he knew this was his calling and was reelected in March 2024. Gene was a servant of the people and dedicated his life to helping his community and family. He put others before himself and was always lending a helping hand. Gene encouraged and supported his employees as their careers advanced and supported their growth even when it meant he would lose them as valued employees.

As many knew, Gene first fought cancer in 2017 and then again in 2022. Though the fight was long and difficult, he never said, “I quit” and courageously fought until the end. He continued to serve his community and support his family until he took his last breath.

Gene is survived by his wife, Sherri and his daughter Caylee and her boyfriend, Logan Atchison. He is also survived by his sister Clara Hermes, his three brothers John (Dawn) Hermes, Carl (Carlene) Hermes, and Justin (Sherry) Hermes. His nieces and nephews Clayton Hildebrand, Brent Koslan, Clarissa Kovar, Autumn Varvel and Faith Irwin, Dustin, Nathan, and Delaney Hermes, Carrie and Cassie Tetrault, Dallas and Yvonne Hermes, his sister-in-law Shannon (Chuck) Clark and their children Crystal (Mike) Smith, Travis (Kayla) Clark and Cody (Melissa) Clark, his stepfather-in-law Vernon Havemann and his step mother-in-law Shirley Hearne, stepsister-in-law, Laree (Russell) DeFranco and stepbrother-in-law Mark Venable, many great nieces and nephews, and longtime family friend to the Hermes family, who was like a brother, Jay Malazzo.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Clara Hermes, his father-in-law Jack Hearne, his mother-in-law Gail Havemann, and his brother-in-law John Johnson.

Serving as pallbearers will be his nephews Travis Clark and Cody Clark, and special law enforcement friends, Al Horak, Bill Rios, Garrett Durrenberger, John Pollock, Chris Clark, Charles Barnes, Mike Burkhalter and John Michael Anderson. Honorary pallbearers are Dale Stroud and the employees of the Burleson County Sheriff’s Department.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Brazos Valley Thin Blue Line Foundation, PO Box 3531, Bryan, TX 77805 or First Baptist Church Caldwell, 300 South Thomas, Caldwell, TX 77836, who both provided support during Gene’s battle with cancer. Special thanks to Dr. Scott Chennault, and the doctors at MD Anderson and Baylor Scott and White for their care and compassion.

His greatest honor was to protect and serve the citizens of Burleson County.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13