Donald Dale Pickens

Coleman Funeral of Oxford Donald Dale Pickens, 75, of Oxford, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The family will celebrate his life on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. in the sanctuary of St. Peter's Episcopal Church (113 South 9th Street, Oxford, Mississippi 38655). Don's family will also host a reception immediately following the service; the details of the reception will be shared at the memorial service. Donald, more commonly known to his friends as Don and to his family as Donny, was born on May 29, 1949, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, the first of seven children born to the late Raymond Pickens and the late Lois Robertson Pickens. A longtime resident of Pennsylvania, Don was the first of his family to graduate high school. Shortly after graduating, Don joined the United States Army and faithfully served his country in Vietnam. Upon his return to civilian life, he had a number of careers, including owning his own autobody shop and working as a painter and welder for various companies in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Throughout his life, the most important thing to Don was his family. Don was the glue that held his expansive family together; making a conscious effort to keep in contact with his five siblings and many nieces and nephews. However, Don truly found his calling as a grandfather. Affectionately called “Boo” by his two grandchildren, they were the center of his world for the past 15 years, and he never missed an opportunity to show his love and support for them and how much pride and joy they gave him. It was his desire to watch them grow up and to be an active part of their lives that moved Don from Pennsylvania, first to Memphis, Tennessee and then to Oxford. In addition to his family life, Don loved to, in his own words, to “putzy” around the house, constantly making slow and steady improvements in and around his home. An amateur drag racer in his youth, Don loved spending time on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, watching NASCAR races on television and in person, and supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers (as all good Yinzers do). Don also found joy in attending church, frequently visiting and worshiping at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Although he has left his earthly home, Don will live on in the hearts and minds of his dear loved ones who will treasure his memory and the blessing that he was in their lives and will look forward to reuniting with him in God’s kingdom. Don leaves behind an expansive family, including his son, Dustin Pickens and his wife Janet Goode of Oxford, Mississippi; his daughter, Shayna Leigh Pickens and her husband James Obukhovsky of Oak Park, Illinois ; two grandchildren: Carolyn and Colin Pickens of Oxford; five sisters: Kathy Vincent and her husband Bob of Pennsylvania; Joyce Pickens of Pennsylvania; Gloria Nagy and her husband Greg of Pennsylvania; Sandy Chuck of North Carolina; and Brenda Schultz and her husband Bill of Pennsylvania; as well as over a dozen nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Pickens and Lois Robertson Pickens, and his brother, Dave Pickens (who is survived by his wife Linda). The Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford staff is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Online condolences may be composed on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com

Donald Dale Pickens

May 29, 1949 - August 21, 2024

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