Odessa in Ector County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Tom “Pinkie” Roden

(1911-1989)

— Walk of the Entrepreneurs —

Tom “Pinkie” Roden Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 11, 2015

1. Tom “Pinkie” Roden Marker

Inscription. Founder of Pinkie's Inc., which at its peak was Texas' largest chain of retail liquor stores. Established first store in Sweetwater after repeal of prohibition. Initial Odessa site followed in 1938 at 312 E. 2nd Street. Expanded to 26 locations in ten cities with sales in nation's top ten during 1970s. Visionary marketer created “Bon Vivant” credit card and founded the Acme Co. Providing tax consultation, management and accounting services. Owned Inn of the Golden West from 1967-77, Odessa's only full service hotel. Quiet behind-the-scenes philanthropist and political force helped establish U.T. Permian Basin and Texas Tech Medical Branch. Supporter of education, health care, civic and business betterment.

Erected 2001 by Heritage of Odessa Foundation. (Marker Number 45.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 31° 52.995′ N, 102° 23.205′ W. Marker is in Odessa, Texas, in Ector County. It can be reached from U.S. 385. Marker is near the south entrance to the

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Ector County Coliseum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4201 Andrews Highway, Odessa TX 79762, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Texas.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: M.O. Boring, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); W.D. Noel (a few steps from this marker); E.G. Rodman, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Permian Basin (about 300 feet away); Permian Basin Oil Show (about 300 feet away); Permian Basin Fair & Exposition (about 300 feet away); The Cable Tool Rig (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Odessa.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 11, 2015

2. Tom “Pinkie” Roden Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,984 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.