Baylor County Justice of the Peace passes away

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - On Monday, Oct. 14 Baylor County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 Ricky Jeter sadly passed away.

Justice Jeter was born and raised in the county and served the people for over a decade.

Those who knew Jeter say that even though he wasn't a big-statured man, he had a larger-than-life personality that left an impact on those he worked with and encountered.

His wife, Melissa Jeter, reflected on the kind of father and husband he was.

"He was my soulmate, he was my knight in shining armor. He was a good father, a great husband and great provider. Just like with everybody else, he always tried to make you laugh," Jeter said.

Fellow Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 Teresa Gray worked with him for over a decade. She described their work relationship over the years.

"I guess what made it easy for us to get along is, he was just so down to Earth. He did whatever you asked him to do. If you needed help, he was there to help you. He'd give you the shirt off his back if you asked him for it," Gray said.

The Baylor County Commissioners and the County Judge will have to appoint someone to finish out Justice Jeter's term. After the term is over, individuals will have to file and run for the position. The people who knew the Justice say whoever is selected to finish out the term will have big shoes to fill.