L. E. “Jack” Driscoll, former Grayson County Sheriff, died Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Medical City McKinney at the age of 84.
Jack was born September 16, 1937, in Cuba, New York. He was the son of Laurence Eugene and Gwendolyn (Watson) Driscoll. He was raised in Olean, New York and graduated from Olean High School in 1955. He graduated from Grayson College, with an AA in Law Enforcement and Texas A & M University, with a BA degree in Law Enforcement.
He entered the US Airforce August of 1955, serving his basic training at Sampson Air Force Base in New York. He served until 1959 when he was discharged from Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman.
He was previously married to Norma Jean Moran and Frances Phillips. In 1978, he married Carolyn Robison in Sherman.
He worked for American Life Insurance Company from 1960 to 1961 at which time he joined the Sherman Police Department. He held the positions of Patrolman, Juvenile Officer, Drug Enforcement and Lead Detective in the 16 years he served the Sherman Police Department. In 1976 he ran for and won his first of five terms as
In 1976 he ran for and won his first of five terms as Grayson County Sheriff. He was with Grayson County Sheriff’s Department from November 1976 to December 31, 1996, during which time he led the Sheriff’s Department’s investigations in many highprofile cases. Over the years in law enforcement, he graduated
Over the years in law enforcement, he graduated from the FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia in 1986. He received his polygraph certification from Texas A&M University, Texas State School of Polygraph Examination. He received re-training in Spanish so he could serve as an investigator and interrogator within the Spanish Community. He also trained in Hypnotism, making the art a tool for local investigators.
His legacy continues even today, with many of the officers now patrolling and investigating crimes in North Texas presently, having received instruction from Jack Driscoll during the years he taught Criminal Justice at Grayson College.
Jack served at Vice President and later President of the Texas Sheriffs Association.
He was a Past Grand Master in the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Travis Lodge. He was a Shriner as well.
He was a member of the Sherman Lions Club. In later years, Jack wrote poetry, with some works
In later years, Jack wrote poetry, with some works being published, notably, “I am the Flag” and “The Badge”. A lover of music, he was an accomplished musician
A lover of music, he was an accomplished musician playing the guitar and harmonica. He would often play early in the morning after a long all-night shift of patrol, serving as an alarm clock for his school aged children. He also was a black belt in Karate.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dan Driscoll, sister, Gertrude Hawkins, brother, Dwight Wheatcraft, sister, Twila Catlin and son in law, Jerry McCall.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Sherman, children, Timothy Driscoll (Ninfa) of Hawaii, Lesa McCall of LaVernia, Texas, Jackie Osborn (Scott) of Denison, Jared Driscoll of Hemet, Ca., Brother, Duane Wheatcraft (Arlene). He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 2-6 pm Sunday, June 12, at Waldo Funeral Home.
A funeral mass will be held at 2 pm Monday, June 13, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Sherman. Father Merlito Abiog will officiate with Deacon Gary Vogel assisting. Burial will be at West Hill Cemetery in Sherman.
Pallbearers and honor guard will be members of the Grayson County Sheriff’s Department.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Ministry at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, 727 S. Travis, Sherman, Texas 75090.
Waldo Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com.
