HERMAN LEE PINKARD
Herman Lee Pinkard was born in Mexia on March 28, 1942, to Jewel Gee Jones and Roddie Pinkard. As a child, Herman was a member of the Boy Scouts and later became an Explorer Scout. It was during this time that he perfected his ability to read maps and utilize a compass, both skills which would later come in handy during his service as an Army platoon sergeant.
Herman loved cars, even at an early age. His first car was a 1949 Ford that he named “Cool Operator.” Herman was also active in sports. While in high school at Woodland High, he was a star on the basketball court. Herman graduated from Woodland High School in 1961. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army at age 19.
Herman considered himself a professional soldier. Being a combat soldier was always his dream. As a platoon sergeant, his call sign was Black Knight. He often talked about how he would run 10 miles a day as a young infantry soldier. During this time, Herman served two tours in Vietnam as a platoon sergeant where, in his words, his job was to protect his young soldiers and save as many lives as he could. During his time in service, Herman traveled to many destinations including Korea, Japan, Germany and his personal favorite Hong Kong.
A veteran of the Vietnam War with over 20 years of service, Sgt. First Class Herman Pinkard served as a field artillery instructor before retiring at Fort Sill in 1980. He ended his military career helping other soldiers reach greatness through his leadership. His awards include National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Rifle M16 Vietnam Service Medal with two Service Stars, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.
After retiring from the Army, Herman joined the U.S. Postal Service and was employed for 20 years before retiring at age 59 in Enid, Okla.
After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service in 2000, Herman relocated with his wife Helen to Elgin, Okla., to be closer to Fort Sill. During this time, he also volunteered as a driver for veterans who needed transport to their appointments.
Herman Lee Pinkard is survived by his wife of 22 years, Helen Pinkard; sons, Elmo Simmons, Patrick Pinkard, and Herman Pinkard Jr.; stepsons, Reggie Miles and Raphael Williams three grandchildren, Tadarius Pinkard, Auryeal Parker, Payton Pinkard; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill Jones, Charles “Sugar” Jones and Albert Jones; sisters, Betty Harris, Rosie Gipson and Brenda Kirven; and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roddy Pinkard; other, Jewel Gee Jones; and brothers, Bubba Jones and Leon Jones.
Visitation will be fro 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, with graveside services to follow at Elgin Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Whinery-Huddleston Funeral Service, 6210 NW Cache Road, Lawton, Okla.
