Obituary of David Earl Pickens

David E. Pickens, 87, of Niles, passed away on Sunday morning, October 21, 2018. 

David was born on February 2, 1931, in Rochester, Indiana to the late Walter and Millie Pickens. David enlisted into the Michigan Army National Guard.  He worked for Mastic/ALCOA for many years until his retirement.  In February of 1991, after 20 years of services, David also retired from the National Guard as a Staff Sergeant. In June of 1953, he married Donna Searles and together the two raised their five children. David decided to attend the newly founded adult education program at Brandywine High School and in 1973 he graduated with his high school diploma. 

David was a 50-year member of the Eagles, member of the American Legion Post 26, and a member of the Moose Lodge.  He loved camping, woodworking, spending time in his yard, and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and four sisters.

David is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Rick (Ginny Grove) Pickens, Vicki Mitchell, Ronald Pickens, Kathy (Tracy Doan) Jonas, and Brenda Pickens; ten grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; siblings, Vachael “Bud” (Sandy) Pickens, Mary (Don) Hartman, Dorothy Dewy, Debra Pickens, and Rebecca Webber; brother-in-law, Jim (Barb) Searles; and many extended family members and close friends.

Funeral services to honor David’s life will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles at 1:00 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior.  Interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so in David’s name to the Activity Fund at Riveridge Manor.