A mile-long parade of law enforcement vehicles escorted Robert “Sombra” Mayer home down Hwy. 90 Monday evening.
Mayer was a local law enforcement icon that fellow officers revered, partially due to his massive frame, that some said could throw shade over people.
“When I started working in the jail many nights we would have a crazy situation break out. Several times we would have back up from one of our Deputies in the field,” wrote Rick
Martinez, a former law enforcement officer, hours after his death was announced due to COVID. “Years after law enforcement I was a bouncer and some nights things would get tough and I’d hear ‘you ok little Henry?’ I had all but forgot about him but he had not forgotten about me. When I called for help and no one would show up somehow out of nowhere Robert was there.”
Mayer began his career with the Val Verde County Sheriff’s office, and after leaving there worked for several federal law enforcement agencies, finishing with the Homeland Security Office of Professional Responsibility.
Mayer, who died Jan. 30, was involved in his community on many levels, from Wild Game Dinner’s special projects committee to serving in his church were just a few.
One local law enforcement official said it was all of these traits that made him special. “He’d worked in many capacities and was just very likable, easy going and a lovable man,” said Fred Knoll, Del Rio Chief of Police.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sunset Funeral Homes and times are pending.
