HARRIS COUNTY — A memorial funeral service, and “End of Watch” ceremony were held Thursday, May 14 for Harris County Deputy Sgt. Raymond Scholwinski in Humble. The service was held at First Assembly of God on FM 1960.
Scholwinski, 70, died last week after battling COVID-19.
Dozens of officers from across Texas, as well as family and friends, came to honor Scholwinski, a 39-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.
It was a somber and moving sight as fellow deputies carried his flag-draped casket into the church.
Friends and family described Scholwinski as a humble servant and kind, caring human being who was willing to help anyone.
“That’s who Raymond was: he was pure gold,” said Scholwinski’s captain, Mike Koteras with HCSO District 2.
His adult children said his diagnosis and death from COVID-19 was not in vain.
“The medical staff came to us at the very end and said, ‘We have learned so much about his condition that it went on to help so many other people,'” said his son, Anthony Scholwinski. “Even in that hospital bed, that man wanted to help others.”
His daughter, Brandi DeLane Scholwinski, said she was proud to be his daughter.
“The best thing I learned from my dad was how to live your life, try to be a good example, never quit,” she said. “It’s not about what you had or didn’t have, rich or poor, nothing like that. He was about trying to be the best person you could be.”
Scholwinski’s sons also spoke lovingly of their father, remembering him as a man of God with a playful spirit.
His youngest son, Clinton said, “The last words my dad told me were, ‘I love you son. Never take life for granted. I want to be around for a long time,’ “Well, dad, I plan to live by these words, and you will forever be in my heart. I love you, dad.”
As part of traditional law enforcement funerals, Scholwinski received full honors, including a bagpipe and drum escort, flag folding, last call, 21-gun salute, “Taps,” and a helicopter flyover executing the “missing man” formation.