Obituary for Gene Pickens

Gene R. Pickens, age 87, passed away on September 10, 2015 at his residence in Ponca City, OK surrounded by his family. He was the son of Hugh and Ruth Baxter Pickens, born on February 17, 1928 in Boswell, OK. He graduated from Boswell School and in 1946, and then joined the army, serving in the occupational services in Japan. He returned to Boswell in 1948 and there he met the love of his life, Joyce Marie Robertson. They were married on July 30, 1949.

Gene attended Southeastern State College in Durant, OK and was in the Oklahoma 49th Division which was mobilized in September of 1950. Gene then was stationed in Japan and Korea where he was a Sergeant 1st Class and a platoon leader. Gene was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions without regard for his own safety, along with several other decorations.

During their married life, Gene and Joyce lived in Durant, Coyle, Seminole, and Ponca City. Gene worked in banking in Ponca City, was the owner of Pickens Conoco Tire Center and the co-owner of the Daylight donut Shop with his youngest son. Gene was of the Baptist faith. He was a very spiritual person and had a personal relationship with God. He enjoyed studying his bible, working in his garden and hunting and fishing with his sons.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce Marie; Sons: Brady Pickens and wife Carolyn of Broken Arrow, OK, Craig Pickens and wife Melissa of Norman, OK, Jerry Pickens and wife Jonita of Ponca City, sister Shirley Wahlman and husband Bill of Portales, NM; grandchildren: Alison Close and husband Justin of Broken Arrow, OK, and Audry Conley of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren: Isabella Close, Kayden and Kingston Smith, and caregiver Teresa Phelps.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Ruth Pickens; brother Dale Pickens and sister Lelda Roberts. Graveside memorial services with military honors provided by the U.S. Army will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City on Wednesday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to the Sunset Baptist Church, 915 Greenwood Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home