b. 1959 End of Watch 9.13.2021
With a heavy heart, Williamson County mourned Constable Kevin Stofle, who passed away suddenly September 13. His memorial service at Celebration Church was attended by hundreds of friends as well as first responders from Georgetown, Cedar Park, Austin, Round Rock, Texas DPS, and many others.
υ County Judge Bill Gravell, grateful to those honoring his friend, said: “Kevin Stofle was a man of faith, and the most honorable man I know. He was more than a dedicated public servant, he was a devoted and loyal son, brother, husband, and father. He was a protector; he served my court and protected me and my family at JP3—whenever we had court, he was never far.
“When I was elected County Judge, the duty for that office traditionally falls to the County Sheriff but I always wished I could have Kevin and his team with me there too. The best way we can honor the life of Kevin Stofle is to give his family time and space to grieve.”
Kevin previously served as Assistant Chief of Police with the Georgetown Police Department, and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City for ten years. During his long public service career, he had more than 33 years in law enforcement.
Judge Evelyn McLean worked with him for 25 of those years. As JP3, it was her official duty to do the inquiry at his passing, but, as his friend, she says it was a solemn honor to stand by his side with his wife and children one last time.
υ “I can’t imagine work or life without Kevin. We agreed we made the best damn Constable-JP Team and he would want me to carry on and do it well. I honor Kevin by remembering the memories we created, the laughter we shared, and the advice he gave me through the years.
“Whenever a conversation would make Kevin shake his head, he would start with, “Boy…..” So, in closing, I say, “Boy…..I miss you but I will see you again someday.”
From September 13 at his home, to the IOOF Cemetery September 22, Williamson County Constables stood watch over Kevin—and his family—night and day. Safeguarding the family for 8 to 16 hours at a time, and taking leave for just four hours of sleep, they honored the man and a stirring law enforcement tradition.
υ Standing by a fallen officer is a tradition I have seen throughout my entire law enforcement career. Constable Stofle was my boss and my friend, which made it much more important that this tradition was carried out and done respectfully. The main significance is to ensure he is not alone. We guard his Earthly remains until we know and see that he is finally at rest.
As a man who served his community for over 40 years it is only fitting that we should serve him by standing by his and his family’s side throughout their hardest time. He was our family and we never leave our family when they need us the most. For me personally it was about respect. I stayed with him as he laid in the sanctuary for over 16 hours and did not leave his side. There may have been no one around, doors locked and lights dimmed, but he was not left alone. It was the least we could do to honor his service to this community.
~Roger Garcia, Constable Deputy Precinct 3
Years ago, soon after we moved to Georgetown, I chaperoned a field trip, and as I was sitting in my car alone, set to follow the caravan of drivers I remembered Proverbs 18:24, “He who has friends must himself be friendly…” and, at that, I got out of my car and invited myself to ride with some other moms. I met Laura Stofle in that car, and within minutes she said, “Have y’all ever heard of Celebration Church?” She invited herself, and I offered them good seats. I’m sure our church didn’t feel like the church Kevin had grown up in, yet the message was the same in a little different package. I obviously misjudged his tough exterior, because there has never been a couple who jumped into our fellowship more whole-heartedly.
Before we knew it, Kevin was serving everywhere and making an impact on everyone he touched, from helping newcomers in our membership classes to leading a variety of small groups for Law Enforcement families, financial groups, missions and outreach, and prison ministry groups. He is best known for leading our campus support team, which provides a world-class ministry of safety for all our guests and members.
Kevin was the embodiment of a quiet professional; very humble, and, yet very effective as a leader on our team. Kevin loved to watch over the people and the House of God. Whenever the Church had a service or an event, Kevin was there, making people feel safe and cared for in his presence.
On the night of Kevin’s death, a spontaneous memorial service was held at the foot of the 80-ft cross that sits on the church’s property. As news got to the teams that Kevin served on, a band of brothers and sisters gathered together and prayed, and wept as they shared about the huge impact Kevin had quietly made on each of their lives.
The hill the church is on happens to be the location where Kevin proposed to the love of his life, Laura, over 25 years ago and before the existence of our church. Kevin found the special place we call Celebration Church before we did, and we don’t think that’s a coincidence at all.
~Pastor Lori Champion, Celebration Church
