Donald Emerson Pickens
Donald Emerson Pickens, 88, originally of Osgood, passed on January 23, 2021. Don had spent the last 50 plus years living in the Indianapolis community. He was born on October 11, 1932 the son of the late Bruce Pickens and Clifford and Marguerite Jean (Risk) Pickens Winters. Don graduated from Osgood High School in May of 1950. He played basketball for the Osgood Cowboys and loved the game. He frequently reminisced of his days as a Cowboy. Don enjoyed attending Osgood Alumni dinners and Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame events over the past several years. Mr. Pickens enlisted into the United States Army soon after graduation in 1950. He honorably served 3 years as a Cryptographic Specialist. He soon found his way into the real estate business and just within the past few years still owned and operated many properties. In August 1973, Don would find his forever soulmate and marry Marie (Schwartz) Pickens. They were together for over 30 years until her death in 2004. Although they never had children of their own, they both enjoyed their nieces and nephews. They liked to take them to the Indiana State Fair and various concerts.
Don is survived by one brother Larry (Carol) Winters of Osgood; brother-in-law Ed Schwartz of Denver, Colorado, along with numerous nieces, cousins and friends. Proceeding him in death were his wife Marie, his parents, brothers; Richard Pickens, Henry (Hank) Winters and Gene Winters along with niece and nephews; Lori, Kevin and Mark Pickens.
Mr. Pickens was a respected citizen of the Indianapolis community. He belonged to various clubs and organizations, including The Columbia Club, The American Legion Post 495 and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had memberships of over 50 years. Don was a huge fan of the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Colts, IU Hoosiers and the Indianapolis Pacers, attending numerous events.
Visitation was held Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood. Funeral services followed at 2:00 p.m.. Military services were conducted and burial at Cliff Hill in Versailles. Memorials can be made out to the Osgood Museum in the care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be placed at Nealsfuneralhome.net.
