Liberty Hill, TX – Real County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Cox died in the line of duty on Sep. 25, when he suffered a heart attack as he was training to become a K9 officer.

Deputy Cox, 57, “did his best every day to do the right thing for the people of his community,” according to his obituary.

“It was because of his community that he found himself pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming a K-9 handler,” the obituary read. “He was in the process of training with a drug dog when the Lord decided Mark was needed elsewhere.”

Deputy Cox joined the U.S. Navy in 1979, immediately after he graduated from high school.

He traveled the world during his time with the military, and ultimately retired as a chief petty officer in 2003.

“Law enforcement, however, was Mark’s passion and calling,” his obituary read.

He served several departments in Florida and Texas before he joined the Real County Sheriff’s Office three years ago, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

“I want to say how very much Deputy Mark Cox will be missed in our community,” Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson said, according to an Uvalde Police Department Facebook post.

“Mark was an excellent peace officer, a patriot, a man of his word, and a friend…… he will be deeply missed by his brothers in arms,” Sheriff Johnson said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones who grieve.”

Deputy Cox leaves behind his wife of 38 years, LeAnn, as well as his two daughters, grandchildren, sisters, and many friends and extended family members, his obituary read.

Deputy Cox was laid to rest on Saturday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Real County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Cox, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.