Melvin C. Pickens (1933-2016)

Melvin C. Pickens, age 82, passed away on Sunday, March 13 at Lee Memorial Hospital, in Fort Meyers, FL, while vacationing at his winter home. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and internment will be a private ceremony at Michigan Memorial Park, in Flat Rock, MI.

Melvin was born in Dundee, MI on March 25, 1933 to James and Bernice Pickens. He attended Monroe High School and graduated with the Class of 1951.

Melvin moved to Plymouth, MI in 1962 and began employment at Ford Motor Co., as a layout & gage inspector, where he worked for 33 years, retiring in May of 1995.

Melvin enjoyed playing cards, whether it be euchre, bridge, cribbage or pinochle. He played golf, hunted, fished, bowled and loved spending time at the family cottage. He also enjoyed watching Detroit sports and the Michigan Wolverines. His memberships included the Elks and Eagles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clyde, wife Mary, and great-grandson, Noah Heisler.

Survivors include wife Lori, his children, Larry (Susan) Pickens of Ida, Terry (Theresa) Pickens of Van Wert, Ohio, Diane (Don) Goss of Marquette, Jeff (Kathy) Pickens of Shelby Township and Jill (David) Waldrop of Wixom, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, stepchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a LIFE CELEBRATION on Sunday, April 10, at the Plymouth Elks Lodge. Guests are asked to wear their favorite Detroit sports or University of Michigan attire in his honor. Thjos wishing to send donations in his memory are asked to consider the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.