RICHMOND, Texas (Covering Katy News) — Robert E. "Bob" Hebert, the longest-serving county judge in Fort Bend County history whose lifetime of public service helped shape the county's government, infrastructure and civic institutions, died Thursday. He was 84.
Hebert served as county judge from 2003 through 2018, leading Fort Bend County during one of the most transformative periods in its history. His administration oversaw explosive population growth, major infrastructure expansion and the increasing demands of one of the nation's fastest-growing counties while navigating Hurricane Ike, the 2008 financial crisis and other significant challenges.
For many longtime Fort Bend County residents, Hebert's administration came to represent an era of steady leadership during a period of extraordinary growth. Former colleagues remembered not only the county that was built under his watch, but also a Commissioners Court where civility, professionalism and respect allowed leaders with differing viewpoints to work together in the public's interest.
His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from Republicans and Democrats alike, with elected officials across the political spectrum remembering not only what Hebert accomplished, but the character he brought to public service.
Those on Commissioners Court posting public tributes on social media included Interim County Judge Daniel Wong and Commissioners Andy Meyers, Vincent Morales and Dexter McCoy. County Treasurer Bill Rickert, 400th District Judge Christian Becerra and numerous other current and former public officials, friends and community leaders also shared remembrances of Hebert's decades of service to Fort Bend County.
Among those remembering Hebert were current members of Commissioners Court, several of whom served alongside him during his 16 years as county judge.
"I had the privilege of serving alongside Bob throughout his entire 16 years as Fort Bend County Judge," Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers said.
"Bob led Commissioners Court during a time when respect, civility and collaboration were hallmarks of county government. While we did not always agree on every issue, Bob fostered an environment where people could work through their differences with professionalism and a shared commitment to serving the public."
Meyers said that steady leadership helped guide Fort Bend County through a period of unprecedented growth. He also credited Hebert with supporting the restoration of the Historic Fort Bend County Courthouse and strengthening the work of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission, helping preserve the county's rich history for future generations.
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Commissioner Vincent Morales
Bob Hebert with Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales.
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Bob Hebert was a big supporter of the students who participated in the Fort Bend County Livestock Show and Rodeo.
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Former Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert
Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales described Hebert as "a statesman in every sense of the word and a true Texas gentleman."
"During his many years in office, he helped guide Fort Bend County through an extraordinary period of growth and change with competence, steadiness and a deep commitment to the people he served," Morales said. "His leadership helped shape the Fort Bend County we know today, and his legacy will be felt for generations."
Interim County Judge Daniel Wong said Hebert "dedicated many years of his life to serving the people of Fort Bend County" and helped guide the county through "a period of remarkable growth" while facing some of the community's greatest challenges.
"Public service is built upon the efforts of those who come before us, and Judge Hebert's years of leadership leave a lasting mark on Fort Bend County," Wong said.
Although Commissioner Dexter McCoy did not serve alongside Hebert on Commissioners Court, he said the former county judge generously shared his experience after McCoy took office.
McCoy recalled breakfasts and coffee meetings during his first year in office where Hebert offered advice on navigating county government, discussed lessons learned from construction of the Fort Bend County Justice Center and talked about serving hungry senior citizens. McCoy said the two also bonded over their shared experiences raising daughters.
A lifetime devoted to public service
Friends said Hebert's commitment to Fort Bend County began long before he was elected county judge.
County Treasurer Bill Rickert said he first met Hebert during the 1990s through municipal utility district work and ECO Resources, where Hebert had already earned a reputation as a respected leader in the water and wastewater industry.
"It was there that we first came to know the Bob so many others would come to know — a smart, hardworking man who understood how to bring people together and get things done," Rickert said.
Rickert and his wife, Lisa, later hosted one of Hebert's first campaign events for county judge and watched him become the county's longest-serving chief executive.
"Bob did so much for Fort Bend County," Rickert wrote. "His fingerprints can be found on many of the institutions, infrastructure and community organizations that helped shape the county we know today. His was truly a lifetime of service."
The respect Hebert earned also extended beyond county government.
400th District Judge Christian Becerra wrote that although he and Hebert "belonged to different political parties, there was never any doubt about his love for Fort Bend County or the respect he showed others."
Becerra remembered Hebert as a leader who "carried himself with dignity, decorum, and the kind of statesmanship that is too often missing today."
State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, who represents Fort Bend County, said she was "forever grateful" for Hebert's mentorship and friendship. She described the former county judge as "tough but fair" who "fiercely loved Fort Bend County," calling Bob and his wife, Pat, "the quintessential citizens of Fort Bend County." Kolkhorst said she would "never forget the impact he has had on our beloved Fort Bend County," remembering him as "a true, iconic leader of the people."
Hebert on video updating the public on the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in August of 2017.
Leading through growth
When Hebert took office in 2003, Fort Bend County was already emerging as one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.
Over the next 16 years, Commissioners Court worked to keep pace with unprecedented residential and commercial development while expanding county services, investing in roads and public infrastructure, strengthening emergency preparedness and preserving important pieces of Fort Bend County's history.
Hebert's tenure also became known for the tone he set around the Commissioners Court dais. While disagreements over public policy were inevitable, colleagues remembered a court where debate remained respectful, professionalism came first and differing viewpoints were resolved through collaboration rather than personal conflict.
After four consecutive terms as county judge, Hebert sought reelection in 2018.
He was defeated by Democrat KP George during a year of unusually high voter turnout driven in part by Democrat Beto O'Rourke's closely watched but ultimately unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. The election produced a Democratic wave in Fort Bend County, with Democrats winning several countywide offices and reshaping the county's political landscape. Hebert's defeat brought to a close a 16-year tenure that remains the longest of any county judge in Fort Bend County history.
A lasting legacy
Although Hebert's years in elected office came to an end, those who knew him said his commitment to Fort Bend County never did.
He remained active in the community, sharing his experience with public officials and nonprofit organizations while continuing to serve the county in new ways.
Among those organizations was Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, where Hebert served as interim chief executive officer and as a member of the Board of Directors. In a social media tribute, the organization credited him with providing "wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment" while guiding Meals on Wheels through a major leadership transition and ensuring its mission to serve local seniors continued uninterrupted.
The organization also noted that the Hebert family's commitment extended beyond Bob's own service. His wife, Pat, served on the organization's Board of Directors. His daughter, Patsey, continues to serve on the board, while his daughter, Shelly, contributed her expertise to strengthen the nonprofit's mission.
The roads, public buildings and institutions shaped during Hebert's administration remain part of his legacy. But for those who knew him best, the qualities they remembered most were less tangible.
Across the public tributes posted following his death, colleagues repeatedly described Hebert as a man of integrity, humility, professionalism and service who believed government worked best when people treated one another with respect, even when they disagreed.
Fort Bend County continues to grow, but those who knew Bob Hebert best said his enduring legacy is measured not only in the county he helped build, but in the example he set for those entrusted with leading it.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, daughters Patsey and Shelly, and their families.
An obituary and funeral arrangements had not been publicly announced as of publication.
Bob Hebert at a Glance
FactDetails
- Full nameRobert E. "Bob" Hebert
- BornNov. 18, 1941
- DiedAug. 6, 2026
- Age84
- OfficeFort Bend County Judge
- Years served2003–2018
- Length of service16 years
- Longest-serving county judge in Fort Bend County history
- Known for Steady leadership, civility, professionalism and consensus-building
Major events during tenure
- Hurricane Ike
- 2008 financial crisis
- Fastest periods of growth in county history
Previous career
- Leader in the water and wastewater industry through ECO Resources and active in the municipal utility district community
Survived by his wife, Pat Hebert, and their family.
Who We Are
The owner and publisher of Covering Katy News is employed by Fort Bend County Precinct 3 as Media Relations and External Engagement Manager. Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers is quoted in this story in his capacity as a current member of Commissioners Court who served alongside former County Judge Bob Hebert throughout Hebert's 16-year tenure. Covering Katy News also presented the broader public record by including statements released by other county officials and community leaders following Hebert's passing.
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