Thursday, February 14th, 2013
Joseph Pickering
Joseph William "Joe" Pickering, 86, Wapakoneta, died at 1:15 p.m. Feb. 12, 2013, at Lima Memorial Health System.
He was born July 27, 1926, in West Alexandria to Karl V. and Eva G. Roach Pickering, who preceded him in death. On Aug. 20, 1949, he married Joan O. Hodges, who died Feb. 7, 2000.
Surviving are two children, Patrice L. (Safwat) Zahry of Deltona, Fla., and Kurt Pickering of Doraville, Ga.; four grandchildren, Shereen J. Zahry, David J. Zahry, James J. Pickering and Jennifer L. Pickering; a great-grandson, Aiden Canale, two stepgreat-grandchildren, Robert J. (Heather) Pugh III and Lindsey N. (Tristan) Walker; siblings, Hazel J. Heinfeld of Ada, Karlene E. Speicher of Wapakoneta, Anita M. Andrew of Celina and Robert J. Pickering of Celina; and two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Pickering of Springville, Tenn., and Emily Jane Pickering of St. Marys.
He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Ayden O. Cartwright; brothers, Francis E., infant James R. and Ralph E. Pickering, Sr.; and brothers-in-law, Robert G. Heinfeld and Thomas C. Andrews.
He worked as a metal finisher at General Dynamics, Lima. He was a 60-year member of First English Lutheran Church and a 37-year member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 691, both of Wapakoneta.
A U.S. Army veteran, he was a member of the Prairie View Golf Club and the AMA. The loves of his life were his wife and family, playing golf and riding his motorcycle.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Saturday at First English Lutheran Church, Wapakoneta, the Rev. Steven Nelson officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta.
Calling is 4-8 p.m., Friday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta, and 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the church. An Eagles memorial service will be 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the First English Lutheran Church or PGA Charities.
Condolences may be left at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com.
