East Texas Sheriff, Volume 14

Growing up as the daughter of an East Texas sheriff, Ruth White Lynch experienced small-town moments with her father, Darrell White. Ruth left Huntsville after graduating from Sam Houston State University, pursuing law and politics. Family ties and closeness to her parents called her home where she would record her father's narrative based on thirty years in law enforcement. Ruth currently lives on the ranch where she was raised and loves the outdoors.

"It was another world, and we get a glimpse. Former Sheriff Darrell White's recollections of his humble country boyhood and hardscrabble parents' lives during the Great Depression unlock a different world for most readers. As shared with his daughter, Ruth, his detailed memories open windows on a rural lifestyle and local history requiring dogged determination, willingness for hard work, and endless humor to survive. White's story is a layer of the foundation of modern Walker County, Texas and nearby areas, and it's the same culture that launched a mischievous Darrell through military life into marriage, fatherhood, and finally the roles that defined him to decades of neighbors and constituents: generational rancher and legendary, outspoken Sheriff for 20th century Walker County. His recollections, enhanced by his daughter's direct style of writing, present history as he witnessed it. They also paint a picture of a young man from simple beginnings becoming an adult who would be remembered as an enforcer devoted to protecting the community he fiercely loved. Spirited and bold, this risk taker did his job with style that won him admiration as well as ire. He unhesitatingly led his community into the new century in high humor, enjoying a rogue reputation and sporting his trademark white cowboy hat. In Ruth's narrative, her father remembers the unrest of the Civil Rights Movement and also a visit from a wild-eyed Charles Manson, who was passing through Huntsville, Texas and headed for California. Let author Ruth White Lynch introduce you to her father and prepare to read the tales she is unpacking about life in a certain place and time in East Texas-courtesy of her daddy, the late Sheriff Darrell White." -Bambi Kiser, Newspaper Editor "An amazing journey and memoir of a lawman, who loved God, his family and was committed to serving his community. It shares the humor and vividly told stories that made this Walker County, Texas Sheriff a legend. It is told from his perspective, making these raw stories so valuable. It brings history and the struggles of what it was like to live an era that some have forgotten." -Leslie Woolley "This story is wonderful and puts so much effort into keeping actual quotes from Sheriff White and documenting history. I believe that readers, whether they knew Darrell like I did or not, will feel the love and history all combined. I laughed out loud a couple of times before I even got to Chapter 5, but the vision of Darrell and his wife moving in the truck had to be one of the best! The personal stories and the history shared should inspire others to interview their family members, which is a dying trend now. This book should be read by everyone whether they are young or old and from all walks of life. It offers a variety of stories, whether for law enforcement, a love story, humor, family values, and history. This book also reminds everyone to lighten up in life and know that while you are laughing and having fun you can still accomplish your job in a professional and efficient way." -Tish Humphrey "My Great Uncle, Darrell White, lived an extraordinary life, and his daughter, Ruth White Lynch, captured his story in such a sweet, personal and powerful way. Reading this book, you can feel his incredibly sharp mind, his deep love for his wife of 70 years, and that unforgettable mix of mischief and inner strength that made him who he was. He could make you laugh one minute and stand a little taller the next. This book isn't just a story-it's a celebration of love, family, history and the kind of character that leaves a lasting mark on everyone that knew him. This is a book you absolutely need to read. I know you will love it." -Kathy Pinkston "This book is a great addition to the history of Walker County. Ruth Lynch has followed the career of her father and included names of many citizens. Darrell White had such a unique personality which is shown in his personal life as well as his 30 years in law enforcement. Darrell's career went from being a college police officer and ended up with 20 consecutive years as Sheriff of Walker County, Texas. History is documented in this book and is shown through the eyes of Darrell White as only he can tell it. One will want to see what Darrell White is up to next, before putting down the book." -Johnnie Jo Dickenson, Past President, Walker County Genealogical Society "You need to read this book! I started working as a jailer for Sheriff White when I was 19 years old. He was a larger-than-life figure for us all and helped shape us at that young age. After moving on to work for the Huntsville Police Department, I would stop by at lunchtime in the break room where Sheriff White was so I could hear his stories. To this day, I can still hear him laugh. There are so many good times and memories from when I worked for the Sheriff's Department. He truly was the glue that held that whole place together, and we looked up to him more than I could ever articulate. Sheriff Darrell White was a wonderful man who positively affected so many lives." -Douglas Ray York, former Jailer at Walker County Sheriff's Office "To most, Darrell White may be just a name in local history. But to those who knew him, he was so much more. To me, he was a great man who I looked up to and admired very much. He was the man with the "ice cream trees" and the "money tree" growing in the back pasture. He was the man with the beautiful horse named "Leo's Law" that could count and do tricks. He was a man bigger than the room, and his light would shine so bright. It is hard to express all the good traits about him. Through stories both humorous and heartfelt, this book brings back those cherished memories and paints a vivid picture of his kindness, creativity, humor, and wisdom. Readers will not only enjoy a few good laughs but also come away with a deeper appreciation for Walker County-its people, its past, and the simple joys that make small town life so special. So, sit back, open these pages, and let yourself be carried back to a time and place where hard work, laughter, and love for the land defined a life rich in meaning and fulfillment as well as an appreciation for a simpler, more connected way of life." -Traci Walker "To find out what a great man Darrell White was, you need to read this book. I always looked up to him. He was an elite figure in my eyes. Wherever he was, there was laughter surrounding this man who was larger than life. I would often talk with him about being a lawman. I pushed myself until I completed the Police Academy. He then told me "Bub, this job is like the greatest show on earth, and now you have a front row seat." He enjoyed being a Sheriff and helping others. Darrell White took many young people under his wing and touched so many lives. I was encouraged by him to be the best lawman I could be, and I did not want to let him down. He was my hero. Read this book and let each page show you the qualities about this man that myself and so many others have seen time and time again throughout the years." -Carl Smith, retired lawman