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BORN
1948
DIED
2002
Michael Pinkard Obituary
Funeral: 1 p.m. Wednesday at Sidney Church of Christ with George Tolbert officiating. Burial: Pendergrass Cemetery in Sidney. Visitation: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hall & Sons Funeral Home in Comanche. Lunch for the family will be at the fellowship hall after the services. Memorial service: 7 p.m. Thursday at Roanoke City Hall in Roanoke.
Michael was born Aug. 10, 1948, in Queens, N.Y., the son of the late Daniel Perry and Ruby Harris Pinkard. He was married to Ginger Cook on Aug. 13, 1966. He was an aircraft mechanic and had served in law enforcement for 28 years with the Lubbock Police Department, the Lubbock Sheriff's Department, Garden City Police Department, and was founder and first chief of the Roanoke Police Department in 1990. He was a member of the Roanoke/Trophy Club Chamber of Commerce and was an 11-year member of the Roanoke City Council. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and served six years in the Marine Reserves with six months' active duty in California.
Mike had resided in Roanoke for 12 years, moving there from Garden City. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors: His wife of 36 years, Ginger of Roanoke; daughter, Becky Ray Pinkard of Dallas; son, Michael Cody Pinkard of Bryan; sister, Linda Harris and friend, Deb White; and brother, Richard Pinkard and wife, Caroline, of Terrell.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Pinkard
Sponsored by Ginger Pinkard.
Ginger Pinkard-Burnett
October 17, 2019
This Sunday, 10/20/19, will be 17 years to the day since we lost Mike...1st year, I think, the actual date has matched the day he passed. I know some of our family still feels guilt about "whatever" but as I've said before Mike knew we all loved him. And though he passed too soon, he had a strong faith and dedicated belief. I know he is in heaven looking down on all of us and praying beautiful days and contented lives for us as we, with God's help, strive to be the best we can be! And he is enjoying what has to be the most amazing love and singing with the most lovely choir imaginable!! I thank God that he and I had an amazing time together the night before he passed, enjoying a beautiful night out, supper and concert from our favorite local (at the time) band, the "Rankin Brothers" (Matt and Mark)! Mark S Rankin Thank you guys again for your amazing singing at Mike's church service!! I treasure the memory still and I know how much Mike would have loved it. :) Doug Angell, Roanoke's 2nd police chief, following Mike and picked by Mike, helped so much with anything our family needed at the time (and at the time I was not even fully aware), without being asked or prompted...and just kept giving and giving with his support...from the hospital to the burial service at Mike's grave. Our family had lots of support from family, friends and co-workers. Don't think we would have made it at all otherwise...especially not without faith in God. I feel the need to publicly thank three other people, who were there for me personally so much of the time, without being asked but just because they cared. This by no means negates all the other love and support we got as well. But again, without these three, it would have been even more difficult for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Terry Brock , Uly, and C.L. Faubus !!! I could not begin to list all the times and ways each of them was there for me either at the time in October, later, or both but it was all very deeply appreciated!! Please live, laugh and love daily!!! Much love to you all! Ginger Pinkard-Burnett
Marie Van Nest Sullenger
August 1, 2009
I knew Mike and Ginger from the youth group at Denver City Church of Christ. Mike was our leader my junior year and everything I remember makes me smile. We had a wonderful group as I think back--we did lots of devotionals and parties that Mike led. How wonderful to have led a life of service and joy--that people can think back on and remember happily.
another favorite pic, early '80's I think, GP-B
February 12, 2009
one of my favorite pictures of Mike, Oct.'82 in NM, GP-B
February 12, 2009
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Charles Zachry
February 11, 2009
I was talking to Duane Cox today, February 11, 2009, and learned that Mike had died. I knew Mike and his family when I was a school administrator at Garden City. He was one of the best law enforcement people I ever met. Mike used to say that all new police officers should have to watch 10 hours of Andy Griffith of Mayberry reruns before being allowed on the street. I think of him saying that every time I see a rookie officer. Mike always had an uncommon amount of common sense. To the family, I am truly sorry for your loss. May God bless all of you.
Karen Cox
December 6, 2006
I am married to Mike Pinkard's good friend Duane Cox. Before I met Mike I heard only good things about him. Our son, Michael, is named after Mike. Mike was not only an exceptional friend to my husband, but he and his family were near and dear to my family during the time they lived in Garden City. Our oldest son & Cody are the same age and were good friends. When they moved to Garden City, I was pregnant with our 3rd child and when Mike and Ginger were leaving our house after visiting the first time, Mike said "Cox, aren't you getting a little old for diaper detail". I'll always remember that and so many other things about him. He was "the best". They say the good die young and Mike Pinkard definately fit that description. He'll always be near & dear in our family's hearts and memories.--Karen Cox
Ginger Pinkard-Burnett
November 21, 2006
Being married at such a young age, 18, there were times we struggled to make our union work. We were too young to know our adult selves…but we each knew we were committed to the marriage & had a deep love for the other. I could not have found a man, at any age, with more integrity or character than Mike Pinkard possessed. I cry that the “good” man I was married to for 36 years was not allowed more “adult” time with his 2 children…& possibly the chance to hold any precious grandbabies. I know he’s now happy & blessed beyond our dreams, being in Heaven…but it’s sad to lose anyone we love and somehow it seems even sadder to lose someone who had such potential & “goodness”. I treasure beyond measure the “gifts” he left our children & me in his example…of fairness, of friendship, of humbleness, of reverence for our Maker, of diligence, of perseverance, of industry, and of generosity.
As a law enforcement person in this crime-ridden, petty, backbiting world in which we all exist, Mike, in each & every case he worked, struggled to see that justice was done…not by any means an easy job…what with “human beings” & politics involved. He was one of those strong people, strong in morals & principles, whom our “old” world desperately needs & suffers with the loss. Mike had a way of bringing out the “best” in most everyone with whom he came into contact.
This beginning of the holiday season seemed a good time to set up this permanent online memorial for the man with whom I…grew into adulthood, had 2 beautiful children, experienced many “firsts” & survived multitudinous “ups & downs” of life. For during the holidays, my thoughts most often go to him…coming so soon after his birth date, our anniversary date, & the birth dates of our 2 wonderful children. Family & family time were the most important earthly treasures to both of us & I deeply miss that concentric connection for our nucleus family.
Please live, laugh & love while you have the opportunity…for life is short.
I must add this postscript…for I would be remiss if I didn’t make clear that though I loved Mike & will always miss him, I have found that earthly life must continue…for those of us left behind. And I thank God, again, for giving me a wonderfully warm, gentle, caring & loving man, Scott, with whom to now share my life.
God bless & keep us all.
Sue Wenger
November 21, 2006
I was an in-law in Mike's extended family many years ago, and always loved being around him and Ginger at family gatherings. I deeply regret losing touch with them after I left the family, but I do know that Mike always got a chuckle at my expense whenever he remembered the "Outhouse Story"!
Babs Benge
November 20, 2006
My husband, Phillip Benge, and Mike were in the Lubbock, Texas, Marine Corp. Reserve Unit together.
We visited together with Mike and Ginger a lot. Ginger and I became best friends. Mike was a devoted husband and father. His love of God was great. Once we were swapping career stories and Mike was talking about stopping a guy in a volkswagon going 45mph in a 20mph school zone. He approached the fellow and according to regulations asked him if there was any particular reason he was going so fast. The man looked at him and sheepishly said, "Would you believe a biiiggg gust of wind?" Mike said he just couldn't give him a ticket. He said every once in a while the answer was worthy. HA! He told the man to go his way and sin no more. I always laugh when I think about Mike and his sense of humor. He is really missed.
Babs Benge, Clayton, NM
William Scott
November 19, 2006
I worked with Mike at Alliance Airport. He was a good friend and would help you in anyway that he could. A person who you would want to ride the line with.
Judy Kingston
November 16, 2006
I worked with Mike in the Garden City Sheriff Department, and went to church with him, Ginger, Becky and Cody. They were an outstanding family. Mike was always a dedicated Christian and a very caring law enforcement officer. He is missed.........
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