It is with deep regret that we advise you that a Wharton (Texas) Firefighter died in the Line of Duty last night while operating at a huge egg farm fire near Bowling, RX. The Firefighter, 30, whose identity has not yet been released, was recently promoted to Captain at the Wharton FD and leaves behind a wife and two young sons. He had 11 years on the job.
More than 150 Firefighters from 31 FD's operated which started around 2130 hours at the Maximum Production Co., an egg farm about 11 miles east of Wharton and three miles from Bowling. The fire has now been declared under control. The building was 25,000 square feet in a 250-foot-long building, and was fueled by huge fans used to keep the animals cool. Details to follow. As always, our most sincere condolences.
Funeral Arrangements:
Funeral Arrangements for Wharton Volunteer Captain Thomas Araguz III are as follows:
Public visitation will be Saturday, July 10 at the Wharton Funeral Home located at 515 E. Boling Hwy in Wharton, Texas from 1 to 6 p.m.
The funeral will be on Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 at the Wharton Civic Center located at 1924 N. Fulton, Wharton, Texas
Due to limited parking for Sunday, public parking will be at the Wharton High School located at 800 E. Ahldag. Buses will transport those attending beginning at 12:30 pm. and immediately after the services.
Graveside services will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park located at 3511 E. Alabama Road (CR166) Wharton, Texas
For those who would like to pay tribute to Captain Thomas Araguz III, the funeral procession will follow from the Wharton Civic Center, south on Fulton St, West on Boling Hwy. , south on North Richmond Road, East on Alabama St., passing the Wharton Fire Station, then north on Alabama Road ending at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Public needing information should call 979-532-4811, ext. 400
Fire Department personnel needing information should call 281-802-4561
An account has been established at the First State Bank of Louise located at 505 E. Boling Hwy. Wharton, Texas 77488 or they may be contacted at 979532-0404. All checks should be made payable to "The Thomas Araguz III Memorial Fund"
For those of you who did not hear, Thomas, 33 died will fighting a fire Saturday night here in Wharton County. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Promote, Unify, Represent, and Educate the Fire Service of Texas