Corporal Bernis "Pappy" Lee Lincoln was a well-respected veteran police officer that served the Odessa Police Department from July 1, 1966, until January 31, 1998.
Corporal Lincoln was a former semi-professional baseball player and one of 19 children. He joined the Odessa Police Department after answering an advertisement in the newspaper.
Corporal Lincoln continued to work for and retired from Walgreens Drug Store several years after becoming a police officer
Corporal Lincoln received numerous awards and commendations and was a well-respected veteran police officer that went out of his way to assist young police officers.
Corporal Lincoln was not the first black police officer to serve the Department; according to Corporal Lincoln, "Eddie Neely, Chester Randolph, and Lester Payne worked here before I did," He continued. "There were also other black policemen that worked during World War II."
On November 6, 2004, Corporal Lincoln passed away. The Odessa Honor Guard presented his widow with the Texas Flag for his dedicated service to the community and honorable service as a Texas Peace Officer.
