T. Boone Pickens

$1.20 B

Ranked #1175 in World

About T. Boone Pickens

Thomas Boone Pickens Jr., an influential American business magnate and financier, born on May 22, 1928, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, passed away on September 11, 2019. His early life in Oklahoma and Texas shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to found Mesa Petroleum in 1956 after graduating with a geology degree from Oklahoma State University. Known for his aggressive corporate acquisitions in the 1980s, including attempts at Cities Service and Gulf Oil, Pickens became a prominent figure in the oil industry. Beyond his business ventures, he was a significant political donor, particularly supporting Republican causes and advocating for alternative energy solutions like solar and wind power. His philanthropic efforts resulted in over $700 million donated to various causes, notably nearly $500 million to Oklahoma State University. Pickens also championed natural gas as a transportation fuel through his company, Clean Energy Fuels Corporation. His personal life saw him marrying five times and fathering five children. Remembered for his contributions to business, politics, and philanthropy, Pickens left a lasting legacy upon his death in Dallas.

Born

May 22, 1928 in Holdenville, Oklahoma, U.S.

Died

September 11, 2019 (aged 91)

Source Of Wealth

Oil & Gas, Investments

Industries

Energy

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Dallas, Texas

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Oklahoma State University

Spouse

Lynn O'Brien (Married: 1949; Divorced: 1971), Beatrice Carr (Married: 1972; Divorced: 1998), Nelda Cain (Married: 2000; Divorced: 2004), Madeleine Paulson (Married: 2005; Divorced: 2012), Toni Brinker (Married: 2014; Divorced: 2017)

Children

Thomas Boone Pickens Jr. was born on May 22, 1928, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to Grace Marcaline and Thomas Boone Sibley Pickens. His father worked as an oil and mineral landman, while his mother ran the local Office of Price Administration during World War II. Pickens holds the distinction of being the first child born via Caesarean section in the Holdenville hospital. At the age of 12, he began delivering newspapers and quickly expanded his paper route. However, the family's fortunes took a turn when the oil boom in Oklahoma ended in the late 1930s, leading them to relocate to Amarillo, Texas.

T. Boone Pickens: Education and Career

Pickens attended Texas A&M on a basketball scholarship but was cut from the team. He then transferred to Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University), where he majored in geology. After graduating with a geology degree in 1951, he worked for Phillips Petroleum until 1954. In 1956, he founded the company that would later become Mesa Petroleum.

T. Boone Pickens: Business Ventures

Pickens led Mesa's first major acquisition, the takeover of the Hugoton Production Company. His strategy involved acquiring other oil and gas companies through solicited and unsolicited buyout bids, as well as various merger and acquisition activities. During the 1980s, he gained prominence for his corporate acquisitions, including attempted buyouts of prominent companies such as Cities Service, Gulf Oil, Phillips Petroleum, and Unocal. Among his successful acquisitions were Pioneer Petroleum and the mid-continent assets of Tenneco. Additionally, Pickens served as the Chairman of the Board of Regents of West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) in Canyon.

T. Boone Pickens: Political Activity

Pickens actively participated in politics, making significant political donations since 1980. He was a financial supporter of President George W. Bush, contributing heavily to both his Texas and national political campaigns. Pickens also contributed to Republican 527 groups, including Swift Vets and POWs for Truth and Progress for America advocacy group.

In 2007, he supported Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign. Notably, Pickens focused his advocacy on promoting alternative energy sources such as solar and wind. He famously challenged John Kerry to donate $1 million to the Paralyzed Veterans of America if he could disprove any claims made in the Swift Boat ads.

T. Boone Pickens: Philanthropy

Pickens demonstrated remarkable generosity throughout his life, giving away more than $700 million to various charitable causes. A significant portion of his donations, nearly $500 million, was directed to Oklahoma State University. He joined the ranks of billionaires who made The Giving Pledge, a commitment to contribute half of his wealth for charitable purposes.

T. Boone Pickens: Alternative Energy

Pickens was a strong advocate for alternative energy sources. He promoted the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and founded Pickens Fuel Corporation in 1997. Later reincorporated as Clean Energy Fuels Corporation in 2001, the company owns and operates natural gas fueling stations across North America. In 2008, Pickens unveiled the Pickens Plan, a comprehensive energy policy proposal aimed at reducing the United States' reliance on foreign energy, particularly oil supplied by OPEC nations.

T. Boone Pickens: Personal Life & Legacy

Pickens had a colorful personal life, marrying five times and fathering four children. His fifth marriage to Madeleine Paulson ended in divorce in 2012. Sadly, his grandson, Thomas "Ty" Boone Pickens IV, passed away from a heroin overdose in January 2013. Pickens also courted controversy when he removed a slab of driveway concrete that he had signed as a child from his grandmother's former home in 2009. His health declined in later years, and he suffered from strokes and a fall in 2017. On September 11, 2019, Pickens passed away at his home in Dallas.

T. Boone Pickens: Trivia

Pickens authored several books, including "The First Billion Is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future" (2008), "The Luckiest Guy in the World" (2001), and "Boone" (1987).

He proposed to Toni Chapman Brinker, widow of restaurateur Norman Brinker, and they married on February 14, 2014, only to divorce in June 2017. Pickens had four biological children and one adopted daughter, and as of 2007, he had twelve grandchildren.

Wealth History

Timeline

May 22, 1928

Thomas Boone Pickens Jr. was born in Holdenville, Oklahoma.

Late 1930s

The Pickens family moved to Amarillo, Texas, due to the end of the oil boom in Oklahoma.

1951

Pickens graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in geology.

1954

Pickens left Phillips Petroleum and founded the company that would later become Mesa Petroleum.

1980s

Pickens became well known for his corporate acquisitions, including attempted buyouts of Cities Service, Gulf Oil, Phillips Petroleum, and Unocal.

2001

Pickens Fuel Corporation was reincorporated as Clean Energy Fuels Corporation, owning and operating natural gas fueling stations from British Columbia to the Mexico–U.S. border.

2008

Pickens announced the Pickens Plan, a major energy policy proposal to reduce the United States' dependency on foreign energy.

2009

Pickens controversially removed a slab of driveway concrete that he had signed as a child from his grandmother's former home.

2012

Pickens divorced his fifth wife, Madeleine Paulson.

January 2013

Pickens' grandson, Thomas "Ty" Boone Pickens IV, died from a heroin overdose.

February 14, 2014

Pickens married Toni Chapman Brinker, widow of restaurateur Norman Brinker.

June 2017

Pickens divorced Toni Chapman Brinker.

September 11, 2019

Thomas Boone Pickens Jr. passed away at his home in Dallas after declining health and suffering strokes and a fall in 2017.

September 18, 2019

Pickens' final message reflecting on his life and mortality was published.

T. Boone Pickens : FAQs

What is T. Boone Pickens's net worth?

As of 2013, T. Boone Pickens's net worth was $1.20 billion.

What are T. Boone Pickens's main sources of wealth?

T. Boone Pickens's main source of income comes from Oil & Gas, Investments.

In which industry does T. Boone Pickens primarily operate?

T. Boone Pickens is primarily involved in the Energy industry.

What is T. Boone Pickens educational background?

T. Boone Pickens holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Oklahoma State University.

Is T. Boone Pickens dead?

Yes, T. Boone Pickens died on September 11, 2019 (aged 91).

How many children does T. Boone Pickens have?

T. Boone Pickens has 5 children.

Who was Thomas Boone Pickens Jr. and what is he known for?

Thomas Boone Pickens Jr. was an American business magnate and financier, known for his work in the oil and gas industry, his corporate acquisitions during the 1980s, and his advocacy for alternative energy sources.

What significant contributions did T. Boone Pickens make to education and philanthropy?

T. Boone Pickens donated more than $700 million to charity, with nearly $500 million going to Oklahoma State University, significantly contributing to education and philanthropy.

How did T. Boone Pickens impact the energy sector in the United States?

T. Boone Pickens had a major impact on the energy sector through promoting natural gas as a transportation fuel, founding Clean Energy Fuels Corporation, and proposing the Pickens Plan to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil.

What was T. Boone Pickens' role in political activities and donations?

T. Boone Pickens made over $5 million in political donations since 1980, supported President George W. Bush, contributed to Republican 527 groups, and advocated for alternative energy solutions in politics.

Can you detail T. Boone Pickens' personal life, marriages, and family?

T. Boone Pickens was married five times, had four biological children and one adopted daughter, twelve grandchildren, and faced personal challenges including the loss of a grandson. He passed away on September 11, 2019.