H. R. “Mike” Holzapfel
H. R. “Mike” Holzapfel, age 76, of Lumberton, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, March 09, 2023.
Mike was born in Beaumont, Texas on October 29, 1946. He will be remembered as a legendary law-enforcement officer who had a special place in his heart for troubled youth, was passionate about fighting for justice for victims of crime, and ridding Hardin County of drugs.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Velma Bass Holzapfel and Henry Holzapfel Sr.; sister, Vickie Connell, grandson, David Hudson II and granddaughter, Jaycee Farmer.
Left to honor his memory is his precious wife, Cassie Jean Holzapfel of Buna, children, Sheri Hudson and husband, David, of Alvin, Texas; David Holzapfel and wife, Stacy, of West Columbia, Texas; Mike Holzapfel and wife, Cristy, of Kerrville, Texas; sister, Pat Wilson of Rockwall, Texas; grandchildren, Ryan Hargrove (who was raised by Mike) and wife, Kimberly; Sheridan Barajas and fiancée Manny Pounding; Lauren Barajas and fiancée Jesse Lopez; Maddox Stegall; Katelynn Holzapfel-Stone and husband Colton; Colby Price and wife, Kinley; great-grandchildren, Case Hargrove, Remy Price and Lane Price, along with numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of extended family, friends and brothers and sisters in blue.
Mike began a career in law-enforcement, which spanned over four decades, following his honorable-discharge from the Coast Guard after two tours of duty in Viet-Nam. Mike worked as a licensed police officer serving Port Arthur and Silsbee before joining the Hardin County Sheriff’s department as a deputy under Billy Pain. Mike eventually became Chief Deputy and was elected Sheriff of Hardin County in 1980. Mike served Hardin County as Sheriff for 16 years. Following his tenure as Sheriff, he continued his public service as Police Chief in Silsbee and in Sour Lake, as well as Municipal Judge for the city of Silsbee.
Mike’s first love was police work, followed by fishing and spending time with his family. He loved good food, telling stories and gaming for dollars.
A gathering of Mike’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Lumberton Performing Arts Center, 105 South LHS Drive, Lumberton, with his interment to follow at Old Hardin Cemetery, Kountze.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the 100 Club of SETX, P.O. Box 3405, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- March 17, 2023
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
Lumberton Performing Arts Center
- 105, South Lhs Drive, Lumberton, Texas, 77657,
- March 18, 2023
- 11:00 am
Interment
Old Hardin Cemetery
- Old Cemetery Road, Texas, 77625,
- March 18, 2023
- 12:00 pm
May the Perpetual Light shine upon you. Thank you for all you did to build community in SETX and especially for helping to build services to victims of domestic violence.
Mike was a gentle giant with a huge heart. He will be missed. R.I.P. Sheriff
Just heard about Mr. Holzapfel. My condolences go out to Ryan and the family.
I was fortunate to get to know Mr. Holzapfel when I helped Coach his grandson Ryan in Baseball at Silsbee High School from 2005-2008. From what I witnessed and got to know he truly was very supportive of not only Ryan but the entire Baseball Program. He helped with our Baseball Banquet and with our Baseball Spirit Club. He helped us with his time and resources. He was always present at the games and was so proud of Ryan. He set a great example of sacrifice and love for Ryan. He was a man that was well liked and respected by all. I am honored to have known Mr. Holzapfel.
May GOD comfort the family.
What a loss.
The best boss that Ihad and could ever have.
Holzapfel made me the 1st BLACK FEMALE ASSOCIATE JUDGE at Silsbee Municipal Court. He protected me from the wolves.
He was 1 of a kind. The best Boss. The best story teller. There was a side to him that he didn’t allow a lot of people to see and that’s the man that I grew to Love and respect.
Mike and I became friends a little over a year ago. He was a great guy and will be missed by many of us. He was a very generous and giving person. RIP Mike. Prayers for the family. I bet you are fishing or gambling up there. Love you!
My deepest condolences to the family. As I think about the “debates” Mike and my Mom would have, it brings a smile to my face. They would leave these heated debates vowing to never speak again and less than 5 minutes later they were on the phone explaining why they both were right! So many fond memories! Rest well Mike.
MIKE WAS A GREAT MAN AND A SHERIFF THAT CARED FOR THE PEOPLE ALWAYS. MY PRAYERS AND LOVE GO OUT TO CASSIE AND FAMILY. GOD HAS A SHERIFF IN HEAVEN.
RIP Your a good person and great Sheriff
A real man, who backed his employees and was the best Boss you could ask for.
RIP Chief, you will never be forgotten.
With sadness in my heart and prayers for this
FAMILY and our community for the loss of this man. I’ve known Mike and most of his kin for years. I worked with Mike thru our 4-H program and found him to be as previously stated
I also was around Mike during the severe illness and death of one of His deputies. I saw a side of Mike that was almost unbelieveable.
Rest in peace Sir.
Prayers for his friends and family.
Mike was definitely one of a kind. I am so thankful that he believed in me and gave me a shot to prove I could do the job set before me. He was fair to me always. It is hard to believe how life changes… such sweet memories of my time at HCSO. Thanks for being a awesome boss Mike…
My heartfelt blessings to Mikes family
My deepest condolences to the family.
My deepest sympothies to you and your family.
To the family of Mike.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Prayers going out to you. I’ve know Mike a long time. He was a good man and I’m glad to have called him a friend I’m sure he’s still telling his stories!!
Rest in Peace ,my dear friend . Ilove you . Thanks for my boys and for the help in raising them ! ❤️
God always takes the good ones you were such a very good friend and person to us may you Rest In Peace John and Eva Johnthan Chris Byrn