Laughery resigning as Hardeman County Sheriff

Hardeman County Sheriff Patrick Laughery has announced that he is resigning from office, effective July 31, 2026.

Laughery informed the Hardeman County Commissioners Court on Monday, June 22 of his decision. In a letter to the court he stated that he made the decision “after careful prayer and consideration to pursue a new career opportunity, to focus on my personal health, and to spend more time with my family.”

The commission then appointed chief deputy Mark Williams as the new sheriff.

Laughery, a former Quanah city council member, was first elected sheriff of Hardeman County in 2016, defeating Mark Williams by a vote of 934 to 578. He was reelected in 2020 and 2024. Laughery was on an emergency call response in 2020 when he reportedly suffered a medical emergency and was later hospitalized in Lubbock.

The Hardeman County Commissioners will appoint a successor to fill the remainder of Laughery’s term, which expires in 2028.