Walter Sheridan Harpool, affectionately known as "Pinky", was born to Josephine and R.T. Harpool, Sr. in Hebron, TX on February 14, 1922.
Harpool's grandfather, Charles Harpool, moved to the Denton County community of Hebron, east of Lewisville, in 1873 and the family moved to Denton in 1928. In 1939 the family started Harpool Seed, Inc., a company that at one time had offices and warehouses in Houston, Austin, Denton, Dallas and Muskogee, OK.
A separate firm, Harpool Fertilizer Co. was the first independent bulk blending plant for fertilizer in Texas; it was started in 1962.
Walter served his country during World War II in the Army Air Force. He trained at Santa Ana, King City and Lancaster, CA, after which he received his wings at Phoenix, AZ. He then became an instructor at Perrin Field, Sherman, TX and later took B-17 training at Sebring, FL, before being stationed at Langley Field as pilot for radar students.
Walter S. was honored for his promotion of agriculture through his business and made
Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture in 1987. He was dedicated to the agriculture industry and regularly donated seed, fertilizer, chemicals and other material for agriculture tests and demonstrations in Denton County and across the state.
"Pinky" served as Chairman of the Denton County Program Building Committee and worked with many crop and livestock committees. He also supported the Denton Youth Fair, the North Texas State Fair, United Way, the Denton Chamber of Commerce, and other civic functions. Pinky served on the State Board of Agriculture during Gov. Bill Clements administration.
In 1987 Pinky bought an old caboose from the railroad; it was completely renovated and he spent many years using this as his office. His greatest enjoyment was having his friends and old customers drop by for a visit. The caboose will be given to the city to use as they see fit; it was left in honor of retiring mayor, Eulene Brock.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Marie Royall Harpool; son, Walter S. Harpool, Jr.; brother, Tom Harpool, Jr. and his wife, Rebecca; niece, Jerry Watkins and her husband Bill; sisters-in-law, Opal Harpool, Oleta and Bob McDonald; many nieces and nephews and beloved Airedale, "Spinner". Pinky enjoyed the Men's Downtown Bible Class, which met at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home.
Pinky died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 28, 2007.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Oak St., Denton, TX. Dr. Fred Cassell and Rev.. Stephen Plunkett will officiate the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church or a charity of choice.