Bardwell mayor dies

Mayor P.W. "Jinker" Gentry died Monday, Oct. 13, after complications with liver cancer and pneumonia, according to relatives and residents of the town southeast of Ennis.

Long the subject of this paper’s investigative reports into corruption in Bardwell, Gentry was admitted to a Dallas hospital two weeks after unknown suspects broke into City Hall and stole documents The Ellis County Press requested on April 7 in an open records request.

Gentry, who refused to turn over the records even after the state Attorney General ruled their release, was elected last year even though he closed City Hall on the Monday of the council filing deadline.

For updates on Gentry’s funeral arrangements and past coverage, visit www.ECP-TV.com or www.elliscountypress.com.