Montgomery County, TX – Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Captain Randal “Randy” Eaves, 51, was found dead inside his motor home at an RV park of an apparent suicide on Mar. 4, according to the MCSO.

“Randy made the decision to take his own life yesterday,” MCSO Sheriff Rand Henderson said in a department-wide statement on Mar. 5, according to The Golden Hammer. “There are always more questions than good answers in matters like these.”

“But know this – Randy was a good man, he was loved, he was a great friend, and an excellent father,” Sheriff Henderson continued. “Randy was at a difficult juncture in his life and was having to figure out his next steps, however his role and his job with us was not in question. Captain Randy Eaves was on this team, period.”

Capt. Eaves, who served the department for nearly 26 years, had been struggling with suicidal thoughts in the wake of a pending divorce, The Golden Hammer reported.

His body was found by a concerned MCSO deputy during a welfare check.

Capt. Eaves joined the MCSO as a reserve deputy in June of 1989. For two years, he volunteered over 20 hours per week to the department, until he was hired full-time as a detention officer.

During the course of his career, Capt. Eaves worked in narcotics interdiction, auto theft, and patrol. He later led the department’s Fleet Operations Division, and implemented the use of mobile data computers in the deputies’ patrol vehicles, The Courier reported.

Capt. Eves was also helped to establish current radio communications technology, and was awarded for his role in establishing the county’s tow policy.

He leaves behind his wife, Catherine, and his children, Aaron and Caylin.

“This is a difficult time for all of us at MCSO and we will lean on each other for strength,” MCSO Lieutenant Scott Spencer told The Courier. “We will get through this as a family and we will honor Randy’s memory by building upon this tragedy to become stronger.”

Capt. Eaves was laid to rest on Monday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Captain Randy Eaves, both blood and blue. Godspeed, we will take the watch from here.

Thank you for your service.