Ellis County Commissioners honor Paul Perry posthumously

ELLIS COUNTY – When Pct. 3 Ellis County Commissioner Paul Perry died earlier this month, it left a vacant seat on the dais that will be hard to fill.

Perry was up for re-election in May and running unopposed.

With his passing, the county’s election code outlines what should happen with Perry’s Pct. 3 position in this situation. 

According to Jana Onyon, Election Administrator, Ellis County Elections, “The County Judge will appoint a resident of that commissioner’s precinct to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term, Dec. 31, 2024.  

“The party’s precinct executive committee for that commissioner’s precinct will select a replacement nominee for that office to be placed on the November 2024 general election ballot after the committee members’ new term of office begins on June 17.” 

At last week’s Commissioners Court, Ellis County Judge Todd Little read a proclamation by the court declaring Feb. 24 as Commissioner Paul Perry Day in Ellis County.  

The proclamation spoke of Perry’s service and patriotism as well as being a commissioner, justice of the peace and a model citizen with a commitment to public service.

In the Pct. 3 seat since January 2013, Little said as he held up the proclamation, “It is symbolic today when you look at the resolution there is one line that is left blank because he is not here today to sign it. 

“And he would be here if he could, but I know he has bigger ideas now than he had before. I was pleased to call him a friend and I thank him for everything he taught me and mentored me. I think if everybody knew Paul Perry, he was a confidant, when you told him something it stayed right there, and a man of valor.” 

Little handed the proclamation to Perry’s wife Rebecca as he and each commissioner took a flower and placed it on Perry’s empty desk during the Commissioners Court meeting.

“In recognition and remembrance of him and his time with us,” Little concluded.