Obit of Pickens, Harold L. - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 14 Aug 2005 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Pickens, Harold L. Harold L. Pickens, 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, died January 7, 2003, leaving a scrapbook of treasured memories in the minds and hearts of the close family to whom he devoted his life. Born in Oklahoma City in 1908, Harold had a fine intellect, a passion for sports, a love for dogs and a keen sense of humor. At Central High School he played baseball and swam competitively. While earning his electrical engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma (1930), he played softball, but his grandest sports passion was for the OU Sooners, and later for the Chicago Cubs. In 1935, Harold married the love of his life, Wilma Giles. They remained handholding sweethearts for 67 years, inspiring all who met them for their devotion to one another. Working 28 years for Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Co., Harold became the western Oklahoma district manager. He was also a consulting engineer for Noftsger & Lawrence Architects. As a result of his leadership abilities, he was president of the Oklahoma and National Associations of Professional Engineers. As a result of his penchant for practical jokes, his friends received some highly unusual gifts. Harold provided fun, as well as a secure home, for his family. He taught his daughters to dance, helped his son with science projects and took pride in their individual achievements. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix, and he personally built a grand den on the back of the family home and "Pickens Tick Haven," a cabin retreat at Lake Tenkiller. The family fishing trips there were, in his words, "fine as frog hairs." Among the many who will miss this dear man are his wife, Wilma; their son, Hal Pickens and his wife, Barbara; his daughters and their husbands, Nancy and Mike Berland and Carol and Carl Smith; grandchildren, Mike Pickens, Charlie Pickens, Lisa Canterberry, Robert Baker, Greg Berland, Carson Smith, Caroline Smith, Vickie Sublett and Bobby Sublett; great grandchildren, Spencer Baker, Sammy Baker and Cameron Canterberry, and caregivers, Sharon Dougherty, Betty Henson, Pam Mize and Jamie Seeman. Harold lost a battle with pneumonia January 7 in Presbyterian Hospital. A Thursday 7 p.m. Evening Prayer Service at Smith & Kernke Chapel, NW 23rd, will be followed by an 11 a.m. Friday Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1901 NW 18th, where Harold served as a communion minister. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Harold, Hon, Dad, Granddad, Daddam, Ahwoo, you will be missed every day of our lives. That's what comes from having the best husband and father in the world. Published in the Oklahoman on 1/9/2003. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html