Later, circa 1998, D Vickers was my Captain, Company B, when I was stationed in Decatur.  I was called to a standoff in Montague County just south of the Red River beneath the Belknap Creek Bridge,  

The man was the subject of a high speed chase.  He wrecked out and fled on foot.  He was finally found underneath the bridge.  He was up between the concrete I-Beams holding a shotgun.  I negotiated with him for about three hours, but the situation did not end well.

I drove home in the darkness thinking about what more I could’ve done to prevent violent death.  I was truly beating myself up with my thoughts regarding the words I spoke during the negotiation.  My heart was hurting because it did not end well. 

My “car phone” rang.  It was Captain Vickers.  Upon hearing his voice, my mind was preparing to defend our actions, answer his questions about what went wrong, and explain why we had an “in-custody” death.  

To my surprise he just wanted to know how I was feeling.  He was concerned about me and my overall welfare.  He suggested I consider talking to a counselor.  He went on to say that he had confidence that I had done all that could’ve been done.  He told me to get on home, take a couple of days off, and lastly he said, “hug your family.”

There are many other times when Captain Vickers called or met with me after tight situations.  

Now I am the Wise County Sheriff.  I pray the men and women of WCSO can through me see and hear Captain Vickers.  He made a difference in my life and career.



D. Vickers was my Sergeant when I promoted to Texas Ranger and stationed in Columbus, Company A, January 1988.  Housing was limited.  I looked far and wide trying to find a suitable rent house for my family.  I finally find a house about 10 miles north of Columbus, in the same county and same school district, BUT it was not on the same telephone exchange.  

The Rangers Division had a rule that Rangers live within the same phone exchange as their assigned station.  My family moved in ready for the new school year.  All was going well until, on a Friday afternoon, I was notified that the Sr. Ranger’s office wanted to know if I was living on the proper phone exchange.  I pointed out that I could not find a house on the Columbus Exchange.  I was instructed to be in Austin Monday morning with a memo explaining and justifying my transgression.  I was told I might be demoted, transferred or possibly fired.

Dang! I had never been involved in any DPS misconduct, at least according to my personnel file.  That same Friday night I was locked inside a bedroom working on my memo when the phone rang.  Kay answered and then shouted out telling me the call was for me.  

I yelled back, “I’m busy!  Take a message, and I will call ‘em back!” 
She responded, “It’s Sergeant Vickers!  He wants to talk to you!”

I rushed into the kitchen and answered Sgt. Vickers call.

As I recall, he said, “Lane, I heard about the message from the senior’s office… Don’t worry about it.  I’ve taken care of it.  Be in Austin Monday, deliver your memo, and come on back to Columbus.  Just know, there will be no disciplinary action taken.”

My head was swimming when my Sergeant said, “You are good.  Enjoy the weekend with your family.”

In my mind, D Vickers saved my career that Friday night.  



D. Vickers was my first Ranger Lieutenant when I was assigned to Company “A”.  He was always such an unspoken mentor and inspiration to me as a young Ranger.  He would often comment on an investigation I had completed or report I had written.  I wanted to please him as much as he wanted me to be successful.  He had a very low key personality and cool and calm under pressure.  I truly believe he is part of the reason I was successful as a Captain!  After he retired, on more than one occasion, he would tell me how proud he was of me.  He treated me like a son!  I have thought about the various supervisors I’ve had over my years of service.  I have had good ones and not so good ones.  I definitely treat my fellow employees with the same caring attitude and getting know each of them like he did.  I will never forget him.  Thanks for sharing him with us for so many years!  God Bless you!!

Prayers to you, Judy and family for peace and comfort in coming days. We were blessed to call D as well as you our friends for many years.  D gave Paul his cinco peso for his DPS retirement badge, and that meant so much to him.  I know D and Paul are together now in a much better place! Take good care of you! 

Dolores Creech

What an honor and blessing in my life it was to have known D... The past few months as I got to know D and Judy and have met family members, I truly grew to love and respect this wonderful  family. D was a true man of God. He loved the Lord Jesus and his family and friends. I know we will all see him again. D has heard the words of Jesus Himself say " Well done My Good and Faithful servant." Please know Becky and I will keep Judy and family in our prayers as they go through these days. 

I am one of Poppy’s many grandkids and I had the pleasure of getting to grow up with him right next door. He has lived across the street from me for as long as I can remember. I miss him dearly and it has been difficult to accept that I can’t just walk over and go see him anymore but losing him is so painful because of how much love that was shared between us. 

I love you Poppy and not a day will go by that I don’t think about all the amazing times we spent together and miss you. You were the best grandpa in the whole world and I feel so blessed that I got to have you as mine. Until we meet again Poppy. 

Poppy and Bailey spending time together. We had been swapping Texas Ranger and Marine Corps stories. He always told the best stories. 

D,
Thank you for all the memories, I always enjoyed our talks after I got home from work as we always seem to meet at your bench. I will always cherish your stories as I don't believe I ever heard the same one twice.  I will miss talking to you about work, politics and all the new Rangers that were promoting. D, one more thing, thank you for giving me your blessing, so that Paige and I could be together. I love you D and will miss you.
John Murphy


Bailey, Grandy, and Poppy spending time together at the rehab facility. 

I grew up with Poppy (“D”) and Grandy (Judy) across the street. For years my twin sister (Bailey) and I ate breakfast at their house and went straight back to their house after school to eat a snack and spend time with them. We were so blessed to have our grandparents be so involved in our day to day lives and will always cherish those special memories. I always thought Poppy was the best grandpa in the world and I love that I got to also watch him be the best great-grandpa in the world to my son (Bradley). Those two had such a special relationship and while Bradley may be too young to remember, watching those two share the bond that they did is something I will never forget. Poppy is and always will be greatly missed but I find comfort in the memories I have with him and I know I will one day see him again in Heaven. I love you Poppy! 

My deepest sympathy Judy and family. Keeping you all in my prayers

Poppy you were the absolute best stepdad a girl could ask for. Me and you have shared so many good times and so many stories. I always wished you had written a book. Your gift of telling stories was truly unbelievable.  One of my favorite stories of us, is  when you called me from your "car phone ~which was a fancy "bag phone " to tell me, to call my boyfriend and wake him up. He was passed out at the stop sign at the end of our street. You had just pasted him on your way to work and you wanted him gone before my mama saw him. Thank you Poppy for loving me and accepting me along with my fun, loving and crazy personality. Your love, guidance, and wisdom made me a better human! I love you and can't wait to see you in heaven for eternity. 
Love, Paige

Some of the great-grands with Papa, January 2023.

I very much regret that I will be unable to attend the funeral.  I have tremendous respect and admiration for Captain D.  He was the Captain in Company A and supported me when I applied to become a Texas Ranger in the mid-1990's.  

He always had a kind word and a knack for making people feel important.  He will be sorely missed, but I know he is now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior and we'll see him again someday.

John Martin
Texas Ranger (Ret), Company D - San Antonio

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of "D".  I didn't know him personally but he was a part of the DPS family as I am.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all!  

Judy, I'm so sorry for your loss. D was a true gentleman and it was a pleasure to have known him.

Phillip Herbst


Judy and Family:  I am so  sorry to hear about "D".  There are no words to  say to help ease your pain and heartbreak.  I am not sure if I will get to come but know that I will be there in spirit and praying for all.  I have so many precious memories of times gone by.  Love to all!!!    

Shirley Boland
Little "sister".


W.D WAS MY COUSIN ... I'LL NEVER FORGET WHEN AUNT EDNA SET ME A BADGE & NEWS PAPER CLIPPING FOR MY 2 YOUNG BOYS AT THE TIME BECAUSE THE LOVED WALKER TEXAS RANGER ... THEY WERE SOOO THRILLED TO GET THIS FROM THEM ... SOOO EXCITED THEY TOOK TO SCHOOL FOR SHOW & TELL ..NOW THEY ARE 37 & 36 ....  I HAD BEEN KEEPING IN CONTACT WITH HIS GOOD FRIEND "RALPH WADSWORTH"  & JUST FOUND OUT OF HIS PASSING ... MY HEART BREAKS ... PRAYERS FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS MAY GOD HEAL UR HEARTS ..... MY MOMMA IS MARTHA MAGDALENE SCOGIN HEALER  ...  😢😢😢😢😢 

OBITUARIO

W. "D." Vickers

4 noviembre, 1939 – 1 junio, 2023

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