Dewey Edward Hinkle

Dewey Edward Hinkle of Houston, formerly of Big Lake, passed away on Monday, January 7, in Houston, Texas. He was 82 years old.

He was born on February 12, 1930, in Vincent, Texas, Howard County, to Charlie M. and Oma (Brinson) Hinkle. His parents and older sister, Lois, preceded him in death.

He is survived by wife, Melba, of Houston, daughter Connie and husband James Gunnels of Houston; daughter Ann Cunningham of Midland, daughter Tana Nixon of Rankin, Texas, and grandchildren, Leann and Brent Gunnels of Houston, Staci Cunningham of Irving, Jason Cunningham of Midland, Braden and Justin Nixon of Rankin, Lauren (Nixon) Kelley of Killeen, and his younger brother, Billy, of Odessa.

In his youth, his parents moved to various communities until finally settling in Baird, Texas. At a young age, Dewey began working with his father at the local Ford dealership in Abilene and later in his father's masonry business. In 1951, Dewey was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served in Okinawa until honorably discharged in 1953.

Upon his return to Baird, He worked locally as a roughneck for several drilling companies. On August 7, 1957, he and Melba Bryant were married at the First Baptist Church in Clyde, Texas, by Rev. Dewitt Chandler. Dewey's work caused them to move to Monahans, Odessa, and finally Big Lake in 1974.

Besides his work as a roughneck, Dewey worked in many capacities for the City of Odessa, Sun Tool, CarLynn Inc. Oil Rental Tools, Cagle Fishing and Rental Tools, Watson Packer, and D. D. Poynor Trucking. Dewey enjoyed oil field work. He worked a total of 57 years before unofficially retiring in 2009. He was knowledgeable of his work. He was a hard and diligent worker as he was up before sunrise, ready to go, and worked until dark or whenever.

He was a devoted husband and supporter of his family. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, shooting, and tinkering around his work shop when time permitted. He was creative, fun loving, and caring. He loved dogs and cared for many throughout the years. He is survived by his beloved Lucy. He will be missed by family and friends.

Dewey was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Big Lake, Texas. He accepted the Lord Jesus and was saved in 1962.

Honorary pall bearers are D. D. (Pee Wee) Poynor, Jimmy O'Briant, Ronnie Dorsey, and Daryl Rebber. Pall bearers are Larry Hallmark, Neal Hallmark, Brent Gunnels, Jason Cunningham, Braden Nixon, and Justin Nixon.

A memorial service will be held 1 PM Friday, January 11, at Bethel Baptist Church and burial at Glenrest Cemetery, Big Lake, under direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com