Obituary of William Pickens

William Arlis "Bill" Pickens, 88 year old resident of Doniphan, died Friday, February 7, 2014 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital. Mr. Pickens was born May 13, 1925 in Chandler, OK. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps, having served during World War II. He was a current member of the Briar Missionary Baptist Church, and had previously served as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at different churches. He loved to camp, loved being with family and friends, and loved his occupation where he was an operator for Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company for 33 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Myrtle Booth Pickens; one son, Robert Arlis Pickens; one sister, Martha Jean Pickens; and two brothers, William Edward and Wilford Eugene Pickens; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild also preceded him in death. On August 1, 1945 in Pocahontas, AR, he was married to Geneva Helen Brooks, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Helen Elaine Hollomon and husband Joe of Doniphan; Nancy Louise Drennan and husband Wes of Lakin, KS; two sons, William Edward Pickens and wife Debbie of Doniphan; and Kenneth Dewey Pickens of Wichita, KS; three sisters, Mary Lou Pickens of Wichita, KS; Janice Thatcher of Wichita, KS; Shirley Pickens of Michigan, KS; 5 brothers, Leroy Pickens of Doniphan; Herman "Junior" Pickens of Poplar Bluff, MO; James Pickens of Wichita, KS; Larry Pickens of Canyon City, CO; Charles Pickens of Arizona. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Pickens will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 12, 2014 in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dennis Leonard officiating. Burial will be in the Bennett Cemetery. Visitation will Tuesday, February 11, 2014 from 5-8 P.M.