Local government leaders have signed a joint proclamation setting aside Sat., Aug. 22 this year as Joe Hermes Day in Jackson County.
Edna Mayor Lance Smiga and Jackson County Judge Jill Sklar signed a joint proclamation honoring the longtime former Edna mayor on his birthday for his service and contributions to the city and county.
Hermes passed away July 27 at age 82.
The proclamation reads, “Whereas the City of Edna, Jackson County, and the greater Crossroads region lost an extraordinary champion, public servant, and friend with the passing of longtime Edna Mayor Joe Hermes on July 27, 2026; and
“Whereas Mayor Hermes devoted more than four decades to public service, beginning as a City Council member in 1979 and serving as Mayor of Edna for 32 consecutive years, never losing an election, and setting a standard of leadership, humility, and dedication that profoundly shaped the community he loved; and
“Whereas Mayor Hermes was a lifelong Edna resident whose deep roots in the community guided his commitment to helping Edna grow, thrive, and remain a place where families could flourish; and
“Whereas his professional accomplishments – as a Certified Public Accountant, business owner, financial advisor, newspaper co-owner, and civic leader – were matched only by his steadfast devotion to integrity, service, and the people of Jackson County; and
“Whereas Mayor Hermes served in and led numerous civic and regional organizations, including the Edna Lions Club, Jackson County Appraisal District, Jackson County Senior Citizens Board, Oak Creek Retirement Foundation, Jackson County Literacy Foundation, City of Edna Economic Foundation, the Texas Municipal League, and the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission, where he was repeatedly recognized for exemplary leadership and regional impact; and
“Whereas his love for Edna and its citizens was evident to all who knew him, including coworkers, city staff, friends, and fellow elected officials who admired his guidance, mentorship, and genuine care for others; and
“Whereas Mayor Hermes leaves behind a legacy defined by service, compassion, vision, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, as well as a loving family who supported him throughout his extraordinary life of public service; and
“Whereas Jackson County and the City of Edna wish to honor and commemorate Mayor Hermes’ lifelong dedication on a day that symbolizes unity, gratitude, and remembrance;
“Now, therefore, let it be resolved that Jackson County Judge Jill S. Sklar and City of Edna Mayor Lance Smiga do hereby jointly proclaim Aug. 22, 2026, the day marking the birth of Mayor Joe Hermes, as Mayor Joe Hermes Day in Jackson County and the City of Edna, Texas.
“Be it further resolved that on this day, residents are encouraged to reflect upon, celebrate, and honor this remarkable life, leadership, and legacy of Mayor Joe Hermes, whose devotion to his hometown will continue to inspire generations.”
Both Sklar and Smiga said that setting aside Saturday in Hermes’ honor was one way to publicly honor his life of service for the community.
“We issued this proclamation because Joe Hermes meant so much to this community,” Sklar said. “He was a leader’s leader, steady, kind, and always looking out for others. Honoring him with Mayor Joe Hermes Day is our way of saying thank you for everything he poured into Edna and Jackson County. He loved this town, and we want to make sure that love, and the example he set for all of us, is never forgotten.”
Smiga reiterated some of his comments from Hermes’ memorial service.
“After so many years, Joe is Edna and Edna is Joe,” Smiga said. “He left his mark on every aspect of this city and all that live here. Joe is a legend when you consider his service to the town he loved, and he will be truly missed.”