As a farmer, Robert E. Pickett learned that “you don’t get anything that you don’t work hard for.” Working a full time job and running the family farm, Robert’s heart was in his work and his work was in heart. His working heart now at peace, Robert E. “Bob” Pickett passed away Monday, October 27, 2014 in Bennington Glen. He was 85.
He was born December 3, 1928 in Marion, the son of Glenn and Mildred (Holland) Pickett. Robert graduated from Claridon High School in 1948. There, he played on the football team and the basketball team. On October 18, 1952 he married his sweetheart, Gladys Kauffeld. Together, they shared 48 years before she passed away in 2001.
A U.S. Army veteran, Bob served a year combined overseas in both Korea and Japan. A patriot, he was proud to have served his country. He kept current on policy and events and loved to chew the fat and voice his opinion, beginning so many of these conversations with the phrase…. “It’s Like I said…”
Robert worked for over 30 years at the former BF Goodrich- Parker Hannifin Corporation in Green Camp as a braider. He retired in 1992. After work each day he poured his heart and soul into “Pickett’s Green Acres,” the farm outside Prospect that he and Gladys purchased in March of 1960. In addition to crop farming, Bob raised Charolais cattle. Work and farming didn’t leave much time for hobbies, but he loved supporting his children in FFA and 4-H projects at the county and state levels. Fair time was always the family’s vacation!
Robert was active in the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio as a member of Hiram Lodge no. 18 F&AM, RAM Delaware Chapter 54, and the R&SM Sidney Moore Council 84. He wore his Masonic ring like a badge of honor and enjoyed the comradery he shared with his fraternal brothers.
Though he enjoyed basketball and baseball, Bob was a huge football fan, faithfully following his Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. He often stayed up late watching his team with a bottle of Pepsi and Spanish peanuts. Sharp witted and ornery, Bob knew not to take life to seriously. Mesmerized by his grandsons, he loved watching them get rowdy and horseplay, and loved spending time with the whole Pickett family during the holidays. Bob also enjoyed long drives in the country, often taking the long route to his destination, simply to see the fields and what was new.
He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law Ronald E. and Christina Pickett of Radnor, Donald A. Pickett of Prospect, and Robert D. and Melanie Pickett of Marysville, two daughters and sons-in-law Patricia A. and Tom Miller of Sunbury and Jennifer and Jim Bosley of Waldo; seven grandchildren Susan and Lance Dill, Heather and Fred Kantzer, Natalie Pickett, Dakota Dunlap-Pickett, Jacob, Brandon and Dakota Bosely; two great grandchildren Gunnar and Emmary Dill, two sisters Martha Johnson and Grace Snowden both in California; a sister-in-law Karen Pickett of Marion, many nieces and nephews, and friends at Bennington Glenn including his former roommate Claude Baldwin who preceded him in death.
In addition to his wife, Gladys, Robert is also preceded in death by his parents, four brothers John, Thomas, Dean and James Pickett; and a sister Betty Thomas.
Friends may call Monday, November 3, 2014 from 5-8 pm in the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 1510 W. William Street at Valleyside Drive, Delaware, where a Masonic Service, conducted by his brothers of Hiram Lodge no. 18 F&AM. The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 am in the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Deel officiating, under the direction of his son-in-law Tom Miller and grand-daughter Susan Dill, directors. Burial with military honors conducted by the Marion County Veterans Council will follow in Claridon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in honor of Bob may be made to Stepping Stones, an organization that helps children with Cerebral Palsy.
Expressions of sympathy and support may be made by visiting: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
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