DALLAS — Dallas businessman, philanthropist and civic leader Pete Schenkel has died, reports say.
Schenkel previously served as chairman of the State Fair of Texas and is perhaps best known for his advocacy for keeping the annual University of Texas-University of Oklahoma Red River Rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium, where it’s been held since 1929.
Subsequent deals, which the longtime State Fair of Texas supporter largely helped to broker, kept the game at the Cotton Bowl through 2036.
Among his other civic efforts, Schenkel has also chaired the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation.
Born and raised in South Dallas, Schenkel helped his dad run a dairy farm in Wilmer-Hutchins as a teenager. He worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to an owner of the company in 1987. Schenkel continued to work for the company after he sold it to Dean Foods.
“As an astute business leader and humanitarian, Pete devoted himself to the betterment of our city, and leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility,” city officials said in a statement on Schenkel’s death. “Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all.”
Among his accolades over the years, Schenkel received the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas and received the National Football Foundation (NFF) Gridiron Club of Dallas Chapter’s 2017 Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award.
The Dallas Citizens Council issued a statement mourning Schenkel as “an invaluable advisor for Dallas’ leaders.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of former DCC member Pete Schenkel. Pete’s exceptional business acumen from leading prominent consumer companies Schepps Dairy and Dean Foods’s Dairy Group made him an invaluable advisor for Dallas’ leaders. We are eternally grateful for Pete’s leadership and devotion to our community,” their statement read.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said Schenkel "made an indelible impact on this city."
"From his business endeavors to his philanthropic efforts, Brother Pete (as I called him) made an indelible impact on this city," Johnson said. "Every year, as we enjoy the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl, we owe a part of that storied tradition to Pete’s unwavering commitment to Dallas. I trust that his legacy will continue to inspire this great city."
