Funeral held for HCSO deputy who died of COVID-19 after month-long fight in hospital

HUMBLE, Texas (KTRK) -- A 56-year-old deputy was remembered Thursday after after a courageous battle against COVID-19.

Johnny Tunches is the third sheriff's office deputy to die after contracting COVID-19. Sergeant Raymond Scholwinski died on May 6 and Deputy Juan Menchaca died on June 13.

Tunches had been hospitalized for almost a month.

Funeral services were held at Humble First Assembly of God Church.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez delivered remarks.

"Deputy Tunches served the people of Harris County with distinction. We were proud to call him our partner, and our friend. He will be missed terribly, and our condolences go out to his family and all those whose lives he touched," Gonzalez said.

After the service, a ceremony with full honors, including a U.S. and Texas flag folding and presentation to family, rider-less horse, fly-over, 21-gun salute and Taps, was held.

Tunches was a 29-year HCSO veteran. His most recent assignment was a contract deputy in District 2. His service began in 1991, when he worked at the Inmate Processing Center.

He also served in the U.S. Navy.

Tunches is survived by his wife and three daughters.