Edwin Rogers Mickle MD

Edwin Rogers Mickle, a longtime member of the medical profession, passed away peacefully at 93 years of age on June 13, 2015, just a few days before his birthday. He was born June 18, 1921 in Dallas to Raymond Morris Mickle, Sr. and Grace Lillian Haislip Mickle. He was the youngest of twins.

He was preceded in death by his father (August 7, 1895 in Birdville, Texas to July 10, 1983, Kerrville, Texas); his mother (December 10, 1895 in Farmersville, Texas to June 14, 1974, Midland); his older brother Raymond Morris Mickle, Jr. (September 21,1917 in Commerce, Texas to September 6, 1995 in Fort Worth, Texas); his older twin brother Earl Clifton Mickle (June 18, 1921 in Dallas, Texas to April 20, 1922 in Dallas, Texas); his beloved wife Mary Frances Yoder Mickle (February 26, 1926, in Snyder, Texas to October 10, 2013, Midland); and his daughter Virginia Sue Mickle (October 15, 1958 in Midland to July 22, 2011, Midland).

His father instilled a love of education in Dr. Mickle, which caused him to build his own Amateur Radio station at 14, receiving his first QSO on October 12, 1936. He attended Texas A&M for a year, graduating with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1943. He was also a member of several honorary engineering societies - Eta Kappa Nu (Honorary Mechanical Engineering) and Tau Beta Pi, holding leadership positions in them and other student electrical engineering organizations. During 1938-1939 he was serving as a member of the National Guard in Kerrville including two weeks at Camp Bullis. But he moved to Wichita Falls, which ended his time in the Guard. The Wichita Guard tried to get him to join them, but he was discharged, thereby escaping the fate later when they were captured by the Japanese in Java.

After graduation, he was employed by General Electric in Schenectady, New York as a test engineer, where he worked on the huge electrical motors used aboard United States submarines in the War. While at GE, he met and worked with the remote control aiming system on B-29s and other projects with Drs. Langmuir and Shafer, as well as Carl Vonnegut and Kurt Vonnegut on the development of "cloud seeding" to produce rain.

From 1946 to 1948, he studied for his M.S. in electrical engineering and took some pre-med courses and discovered his passion in medicine. He then enrolled in the University of Texas Medical School at Galveston, Texas, graduating with his Medical Degree in June, 1952. While a student in Galveston, he worked on a Food Pump for burn patients, which was described in the April 16, 1951 issue of Life magazine. He also worked part time at several jobs while in medical school.

After his internship at Corpus Christi Memorial Hospital, he served in the United States Coast Guard and the U.S. Public Health Service as an Assistant Surgeon and First Lieutenant, initially at Galveston and later aboard the USCG Cutter Storis in Alaska for six months. The Storis was later famous for making the first North-West Passage, thereby completing the first circumnavigation of the North American Continent. He was later promoted to Senior Surgeon.

He soon moved to Midland, Texas with his long-time bride, where he practiced medicine until his retirement in 1991. He assisted numerous doctors with surgery and was very active in local hospital matters. He also got his stock broker license after his retirement.

Doctor Mickle was an accomplished designer and machinist, well known locally for his membership in the Antique Clock and Watch Association for over 50 years. He was a member of the Midland Amateur Radio Club. He held at least two patents for his work. He was also a member of Midland Masonic Lodge No. 623 and involved in numerous aspects of the EI Paso Scottish Rite Association as a 32rd Degree Mason.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews and close friends, as well as his care givers, who were like family during his later years, particularly after the passing of his beloved wife Mary.

His memorial service is set for June 29, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel, 801 Andrews Hwy, Midland, Texas 79701 (432)683-5555.

Online Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.