Jess Womack was a devoted member of the Mounted Platoon and a proud descendant of a respected Texas ranching family. More than a participant, he championed the group’s growth and camaraderie, even envisioning a riding retreat at his family’s historic McFaddin Ranch — a dream unrealized due to his untimely passing.

In 2009, fellow members honored his legacy by proposing the annual trail ride be named after him, a tribute to his enduring spirit of horsemanship, heritage, and fellowship.

The McFaddin family first settled in East Texas. In 1855, family members acquired expansive acreage between the confluence of the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers, creating what became a cornerstone ranching operation in the region. Though Jess spent his early childhood in Victoria, roughly 20 miles from the ranch, summers were often devoted to ranch life. Alongside friends, he rose before dawn to saddle horses and ride miles to headquarters, joining seasoned cowboys for the day’s work. What began as a romantic vision of cowboy life quickly revealed its realities: blistering Texas heat, long rides, dusty pens, and relentless mosquitoes in the river bottoms. Yet Jess embraced it all.

As the McFaddin Ranch was eventually partitioned among family members, Jess assumed greater responsibility for managing his portion. His land included extensive wetlands formed by historic levees constructed generations earlier by mule and ox teams. Though years of hurricane-driven flooding had altered the terrain, Jess recognized the ecological significance of the resulting wetlands. Determined to preserve this rare habitat, he spearheaded efforts to place the land under a conservation easement. His vision and dedication ensured its protection for future generations. In recognition of their stewardship, Jess and his wife, Lou, were honored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as Land Stewards of the Year.

Above all, Jess’s greatest achievement was his devotion to his family. He was a loyal and loving husband to Lou and a proud father of four. Though some may have misjudged his plainspoken manner, those who truly knew him understood his integrity, dependability, and generous heart. His character echoed the old Texas Ranger description of a man who was “good to ride the river with” — steadfast, trustworthy, and ready to ride for the flag when called upon.

Jess extended his leadership beyond the ranch. In San Antonio, he served on the boards of the San Antonio Zoo and the Mission Road Ministries, reflecting his commitment to community service. He was a graduate of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and earned his MBA from Trinity University.

In addition to Jess’s enduring contributions, Lou Womack made a generous commemorative gift to the Mounted Platoon in his honor. A portion of this gift funded the purchase of a Caisson horse in Jess’s name and that of the Mounted Platoon, presented for the benefit of their Army hosts; a living tribute reflecting his love of horsemanship and service.

Jess Womack’s life was one of heritage, vision, and loyalty — to the land, to his community, and above all, to his family. His legacy continues to ride forward in the traditions he cherished and the lives he strengthened.