Update, Nov. 5 at 10:54 a.m.: 

HCSO announced that Tunches' funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12 at Humble First Assembly of God Church located at 1915 FM 1960 in Humble. 

A public visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. with social distancing enforced and face coverings required. Service will begin at 10 a.m. with Sheriff Ed Gonzalez providing remarks. 

A U.S. and Texas flag folding ceremony will follow with the flags being presented to Tunches' family. A riderless horse presentation, fly over, 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps will follow services.

Originally posted Nov. 4 at 5:35 p.m.: 

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Deputy Johnny Tunches has passed away Nov. 3 after a fight with COVID-19. Tunches leaves behind a wife and three daughters.

“Our Sheriff’s Office family mourns the death of Deputy John Tunches,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “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.”

Tunches is the third HCSO deputy to succumb to COVID-19. Sergeant Raymond Scholwinski passed on May 6 and Deputy Juan Menchaca died June 13 after contracting the disease caused by the Novel Coronavirus.

Tunches, 56, had been in the hospital for nearly a month during his fight against the disease. He was a 29-year veteran of HCSO and had been assigned in District 2. He began his time with the department in 1991 at the department’s Inmate Processing Center – also known as the IPC.

Deputy Johnny Tunches, 56, had been hospitalized for almost a month after contracting COVID-19. He was a 29-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and his most recent assignment was as a Contract Deputy in District 2. He began his service with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in 1991 and worked at the Inmate Processing Center (IPC).

Funeral arrangements for Deputy Tunches are pending.