Blog | May 12, 2026
Remembering former TAC President, Judge Vernon Cook
Former Texas Association of Counties President Judge Vernon Cook passed away on May 3, 2026. Judge Cook served as Roberts County Judge from 1991-2014 and was a respected leader across Texas county government.
Judge Cook served as TAC President from 2010-2011. He first joined the TAC Board of Directors in 2007 and wrapped up his term as Immediate Past President from 2012-2013.
Throughout his years with TAC, Cook helped shape programs and services that continue to benefit county officials statewide. Known as a thoughtful leader and educator, he played a key role in revamping TAC’s education program by encouraging more regional trainings tailored to the specific needs of county officials.
“It gave them a better-quality education program, but it also freed up some money that they could use for other things in their association,” said Gene Terry, former TAC Executive Director from 2010-2018.
Cook also contributed significantly to the TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2003-2006. He helped guide the Pool into the county-owned organization it is today.
“A lot of the things that TAC is doing and has done for the last fifteen years are a result of what Vernon did,” Terry said. “He was a wonderful board member.”
In addition to serving as TAC President, Cook was president of the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association. In 2014, the Texas Judicial Academy honored Cook with the Giles Dalby Trailblazer award.
“His love for county government and TAC made a true difference in so many lives, including mine,” TAC Executive Director Susan Redford said.
Though soft-spoken, Cook carried tremendous influence.
“People just listened to him, and he was quiet and calm,” Terry said. “He had a lot to do with our ability to innovate.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, friends and colleagues remember Cook most for his character. Terry described him as “one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known,” recalling how Cook regularly called to check on Terry’s daughter after she was injured in a car accident. Cook was also known for his sense of humor, love of harmless pranks and ability to make people laugh.
“You run across people in your life that just mean something,” Terry said. “And he was one of those people, for sure. And not just for me — for a lot of other people.”