Joseph Duke Pickle

Joseph Duke Pickle, 94, died November 8 at St. David's South Austin Hospital.Mr. Pickle, the long-time editor of the Big Spring Herald, was a legend in his hometown of Big Spring and throughout his native West Texas. Through his work in the community, the church, journalism, the Boy Scouts and the Colorado River Municipal Water District, he touched thousands of lives in millions of ways. He was above all a gentle and kind person who lived to help people.Joe Pickle was born November 28, 1910, in Roscoe, Texas, the son of J.B. and Mary Pickle. He was the middle of five children – Janice, Jeanette, Joe, Jake and Judith – and the vitality and closeness of that family unit became the beacon by which he lived. The family moved to Big Spring in 1920, where Mr. Pickle remained until moving to Austin in 1998. He graduated from Big Spring High School in 1928 and from Baylor University in 1932. He started his newspaper career with the Big Spring Herald after leaving Baylor and remained there for 43 years until his retirement in 1975. He served as a reporter, editor and – for most of his career – as the paper's managing editor. He was President of the West Texas Press Association, President of the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, and the author of two books: Gettin' Started, a historical record of the beginnings of Howard County; and Water in a Dry and Thirsty Land, an account of the formation and early history of the Colorado River Municipal Water District. He also wrote the text for an album of paintings by pioneer artist H.W. Caylor. The Headliners Foundation of Texas honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his extended and exemplary service in the field of journalism. In accepting that award, he reflected that he always felt it his responsibility as a journalist to work for a world in which young people are fed, sheltered, educated and nurtured.His devotion to the community was reflected in countless ways, but none greater than his support for the Boy Scouts and his commitment to meeting the long-term water needs of ever-dry West Texas.Mr. Pickle joined the Boy Scouts in 1922 and was continuously registered until his death. He served as a Scoutmaster for 10 years, was Lone Star District Chairman, and Vice President of the Buffalo Trail Council. He was honored with the Silver Beaver and Good Shepherd Awards, two of Scouting's highest honors. He was present at the founding of the Colorado River Municipal Water District in 1949 and served that body as Secretary-Treasurer until 1995, when he retired at the age of 84. A resolution in his honor adopted by the Texas House of Representatives noted that he produced "more than 11 volumes of minutes during his long tenure, which convey the full history of the District in lively and accurate detail." In his 46 years of service, the CRMWD constructed Lakes Thomas, Spence and Ivie. Those reservoirs today meet water needs from San Angelo to Odessa to Snyder. Other service to Big Spring and West Texas was extensive. Mr. Pickle was President of the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce and its Man of the Year for 1976. He was also President of the U.S. Highway 87 Association; a Founding Director of the Big Spring YMCA (and later its President); a Founding Director of the Friends of the Library; and a Founding Director (and later President) of Big Spring's Heritage Museum. He also served on a steering committee that campaigned successfully for the establishment of Howard College in 1946. He was a member of the Malone and Hogan Foundation Hospital and Scenic Mountain Medical Center Boards, and was President of the Permian Historical Society, which honored him with its highest award in 1993. He was a 60-year member of the Downtown Lions Club of Big Spring, which he served as President.Mr. Pickle was a devoted Southern Baptist. He taught Sunday School at the First Baptist Church of Big Spring for 61 years and served as a Deacon there for 59. He served on two building committees and various pulpit committees. After moving to Austin in 1998, he resumed teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Austin and continued doing so until his death.He married Lucille Rix in 1937. She died on October 15, 1975. They were parents of three sons – Thomas Rix of Dryden, New York, Joseph Gary of Austin, and Paul David of Indianapolis. He was known as "Bepaw" to his immediate family and as "Uncle Joe" to his many nieces and nephews and other members of the extended family. He is survived by his sons; his sister, Judith Lancaster of Austin and her husband, Jonathan; daughters-in-law, Sherry, Jan and Linda Pickle; grandchildren, Ben Pickle and wife, Dorie, Lori Pickle, and Melissa Mulhall; and great-grandchildren, Anna and Ashley Mulhall. A great-grandson is expected in February of 2006.A memorial service for Mr. Pickle is planned for 2:30 PM, Friday, November 11 at First Baptist Church of Austin. His body will lie in state at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home in Austin beginning at 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 10, with a family visitation scheduled from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.In Big Spring, he will lie in state at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home beginning at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 12. There will be a family visitation at the funeral home from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, November 13. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 14, 2005, at the First Baptist Church of Big Spring. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring. Those wishing to memorialize the life of Joe Pickle are encouraged to contribute to the Joe Pickle Memorial Fund at the Heritage Museum of Big Spring, 510 Scurry Street, Big Spring, Texas 79720.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,