Robert Pickard's Obituary
Robert Neil Pickard, son of Robert V. and Esther Jane Peterson Pickard, was born January 5, 1934, in Flint, Michigan. He departed this life Sunday, July 31, 2011, in St. John?s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-seven years, six months, and twenty-six days.
On June 26, 1984, he was united in marriage to Janis Ellen Cotner, and they shared the last twenty-seven years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Clinton Pickard.
Robert is survived by his wife, Janis, of the home; a son, Bob Pickard, and his wife, Laura, of Layton, Utah; four daughters, Debbie Armstrong, and her husband, Brooks, of Birmingham, Alabama, Diane Stier, and her husband, Ron, of Davison, Michigan, Terri Sage, of LaPorte, Texas, and Jennie Sage, and her husband, Staphan Anagnostaras, of San Diego, California; fifteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dick Pickard, of Millington, Michigan, and Jim Pickard, of West Branch, Michigan; five sisters, Betty Parks, of Burton, Michigan, Clara Stein, of Reed City, Michigan, Joyce Whitehead, of Hillman, Michigan, Pat Everson, of Bay City, Michigan, and Jane Collins, of Macclenny, Florida; a number of nieces and nephews; his former wife, Nyle Pickard; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, and then moved with his family to Millington, Michigan, where he graduated from high school. He entered the military at the age of nineteen, and served his country faithfully in the United States Army 31st Division, 43rd Trucking Company. For his participation in the Korean War, he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Robert returned to Michigan and began working for an industrial hardware supply company. He also worked as a volunteer and served on the staff of Youth for Christ. Later, he worked as the national maintenance supervisor for Flying J Truck Stops until retiring. In 2000, Robert and Janis moved to Lebanon, Missouri, and made their home.
Robert had professed his faith in Christ and was active in several churches throughout his lifetime. He was a member and a deacon of First Baptist Church in Millington, Michigan for many years. Since moving to Lebanon, he had been a member of First Freewill Baptist Church and then for the last year, had been attending Southern Heights Christian Church. He had worked as a mentor and influenced many young people for the cause of Christ.
He had served as a Boy Scout leader and had been awarded the Order of the Arrow. He enjoyed music, and could often be heard whistling or singing. He particularly liked country and southern gospel music. He was a people person who never met a stranger, and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He possessed a delightful sense of humor and loved adventure. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be remembered as a loving family man, a dedicated, hard worker, a patriotic veteran, and a good Christian friend.
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