Randy Mankin

Eldorado Success, Big Lake Wildcat
Devils River News

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Through his company Masked Rider Publishing, Inc., based in Eldorado, Randy Mankin owns and publishes three community newspapers, The Eldorado Success, Big Lake Wildcat and Devil’s River News. He also operates a print shop and photography studio.

He has reported on local and major stories, most notably the coverage on raid of the Yearning for Zion Ranch’s leader Warren Jeffs in 2008.

The Mankin family has been in the newspaper business since 1994. They say the success of their three newspapers is rooted in the daily grind required to report the everyday happenings of the everyday people in and around Schleicher, Sutton and Reagan Counties.

Mankin’s newspapers have earned a long list of honors, including seven Texas Press Association sweepstakes awards. He and his wife, Kathy, are also recipients of the Outstanding News Media Award from the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association. A formal resolution by the Texas House of Representatives, H.R. No 407, passed on March 16, 2023 in honor of his achievements. 

Mankin served as president of both the West Texas Press Association and the Texas Press Association. He remains active on industry boards, including the Texas Newspaper Foundation.

His community involvement includes five years on Eldorado City Council, five as city administrator. He has served 29 years on the board of the Schleicher County Hospital District, the last 25 years as president, leading efforts to build a new hospital and healthcare facilities.

Married for 49 years, the Mankins have two children and four grandchildren, Kenna, Landon, Wyatt and Langly Jane. They are members of Community Baptist Church in Eldorado where Randy serves as a deacon and leads the adult Bible study class.

Their son, J.L. Mankin, is editor of the Big Lake Wildcat and the manager of Illusions Photography. Their daughter, Sarah Mankin, is a family practice physician in Lubbock.