Officer Thomas Henry Rather, Westville Police Department, Oklahoma

Officer Thomas Henry Rather

Westville Police Department, Oklahoma

End of Watch Friday, February 25, 1927

Thomas Henry Rather

Officer Rather was shot and killed while questioning several suspects. He and another officer approached a vehicle occupied by two men and a woman. One of the men exited the vehicle and shot Officer Rather in the chest. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The shooter was eventually apprehended, convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life.

Officer Rather had been with the agency for five years and was survived by his wife and eleven children.

Bio

Age 48
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Here in Oklahoma visiting family. Remembering our heritage and the sacrifices of our ancestors.

-Jeanie Martin Chavez great granddaughter of Thomas Rather

Jeanie Chavez
Great granddaughter, granddaughter of Ethel Naomi Rather Martin

January 3, 2014