We are deeply saddened by the death of J.P. Francis Truchard. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, staff, and the entire community. We mourn the loss of the longest serving Justice of the Peace in Texas history, a true patriarch of our county.
It is not always easy or popular to do the right thing, but J.P. Truchard was well known for treating everyone equally, no matter the race, creed, status, or orientation; he was the first in the county to perform a same-sex wedding. Committee member Ronny Daley remembers, “When I came out, Francis showed me kindness when many people wouldn’t.” He knew that despite superficial differences, we are all the same at the core. We all want a safe, healthy, and prosperous community.
As we remember the contributions he made to Colorado County, we can honor his legacy by living a little more like Francis. Treating everyone in our community with dignity and respect, even if you may not understand or agree, can keep his memory alive for years to come.
“We lost a big rock in our community, David Franek, committee member and Truchard family friend stated of his passing.
Thank you, J.P. Francis Truchard, for your life of dedication and service to Columbus, Colorado County, and the State of Texas.
From the Columbus, TX LGBTQ+ Committee
