Jerry E. Pinkerton

Jerry E. Pinkerton was born April 11, 1927 in Walters to Leslie Earl and Gladys Hazel Minnich Pinkerton. Jerry graduated from the Walters High School in 1945, and promptly enlisted the US Navy, serving his beloved country in the final year of World War II. He returned to Walters and started his career in journalism with The Herald Publishing Co., a commercial printing business and publisher of The Walters Herald. In December of 1950 he married the love of his life, Mary Joan Jackson in Walters. His hard work and determination at the Herald eventually afforded him the opportunity to purchase part ownership in the firm in 1965. In 1981, he became majority stockholder and served as Editor and Publisher until its sale in 1988. After the sale, Jerry continued to serve as Editor until taking full retirement in 1992. After retirement he assisted in the production each month of the Cotton Electric Current, of which he was most proud. His newspaper career extended to serving a number of years as the Cotton County reporter for the Wichita Falls Times and Record News. While still active in business, Jerry served from 1968 to 1989 on the Walters City Council as City Councilman and was Mayor on five different occasions. He served on the Walters Education Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Selective Service System Board, Community Chest, Cotton County Health Board, Cotton County Board of Elections and was named Citizen Emeritus of the Year in 2006. He was a distinguished member of the American Legion, Cache Valley Masonic Lodge for over 60 years, and a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also very active for many years in the Democratic Party for Cotton County. Jerry was an unofficial ambassador for the City of Walters, always looking out for the best interests of the community through his membership on the Southern Power Commission, Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments, Waurika Water Master Conservancy Board, Walters Industry Development Co, Inc., and the Walters Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Pinkerton will long be remembered for his 60 year active membership in the Walters Rotary Club, in which he served in all Board positions, and was a twice honored Paul Harris Fellow. Also, he is remembered for being a lifelong and faithful member of the First Christian Church in Walters. His devotion to his church was an integral part of who he was. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 54 years, Joan; sister, Merdene Pinkerton Brown, and a brother, Joseph W. Pinkerton. He is survived by his loving children, Jara Pinkerton Morrow and husband Jeff of Nederland, Colorado, Janet Pinkerton Hudnall and husband Billy of Dallas, Texas, and Les A. Pinkerton of Fort Worth, Texas; grandsons, Collin Pinkerton Morrow and Jordan Pinkerton Morrow; dear cousins, Wyva Rheu Copeland of Walters, and Fonda Pinkerton of Zionsville, Indiana; eight nephews and four nieces.