Source: http://www.pleasantonexpress.com/archives.asp?screen=showobit&obit_date=9/18/2003

Pickens

Raymond H. Pickens, born August 4, 1923 in Asherton, Texas to Robert Arthur Pickens and Alice McCarty Pickens, passed away September 10, 2003 in Jourdanton, Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Grace (Lowrance) Pickens of Pleasanton; sons, Constable Robert A. Pickens, II of Kerrville and Tim Pickens of Pleasanton. He is also survived by his sisters, Hazel Bailey of Austin; Faye Tracey of Washington Court, Ohio and Aleen Menking and husband Dick of Abilene, as well as grandchildren, Megan Lynn Pickens of Kerrville and Ray Pickens, Jr. of Pleasanton. He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Raymond was a Christian and was a former member of the First United Methodist Church in Mirando City and is currently a member of the Bruni United Methodist Church. Raymond attended public schools in Laredo, Jackson, Raymondville, Kerrville, Laredo Martin High and Mirando City. He was a graduate of Mirando City High School in May of 1942. Raymond is remembered throughout South Texas as an outstanding football and track star. In 1941, he was named Best All-Around Player in football and was awarded the Richter Insurance Agency Trophy. Raymond had gone to state his senior year as well as placing third in the 100-yard dash. On August 20, 1942, he received a football scholarship to North Texas State Teachers College in Denton, Texas. He attended North Texas and then transferred to Texas A&I in Kingsville, Texas.

Raymond was drafted into the Army on November 27, 1942 and received an honorable discharge on October 22, 1945. He was a Staff Sergeant with the 488th Air Service Group where he was a glider pilot and mechanic. Raymond received numerous decorations and citations: Rifle Marksman, EAME Campaign Medal with 7 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge- GO 212 Hg 9thAF, 2 Overseas Service Bars and Lapel Button Issued ASR Score. He served his country with pride and dignity.

After the service, Raymond moved back to Mirando City, where he worked for Mobil Oil Corporation for 14 years, then set out on his own and started Pickens Well and Lease Service, Inc. in 1960, which is still in operation to this day. Raymond was involved in community and school activities after returning from the service. In 1946, he was asked by the Mirando City ISD if he would coach the football team, due to the fact that the school did not have enough funds to pay for a coach. Mr. Pickens came to the call of duty, accepted the challenge and volunteered as the coach. During that season, Raymond led the team to the Regional Play-Offs. Raymond was involved with the school district as well. He served on the Mirando City School Board for 23 years. He served as president of the school board for several years, as well as serving as a school board member.

Raymond was involved as a Scout Master for eight years, whereas he had the boys of Mirando City involved in scouting. Raymond loved to hunt, fish, camp, play golf with his sons, watch history on television, read history books and go flying in his son's plane. He was always teaching his nephews and friends' sons how to hunt, fish and camp. He loved animals as well. He delighted in going to his oil leases and checking on them everyday.

Visitation was held at Howard-Williams-Turcotte Funeral Home in Hebbronville from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, 2003. The funeral service was also held at Howard-Williams-Turcotte Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2003. Interment followed in Greenhill Cemetery in Hebbronville, Texas. A reception followed the interment at McMurray Hall at the Baptist Church in Hebbronville.

Serving as pallbearers were Rick Walker of Mirando City, Douglass McDonald of Laredo, Andy Browder of Mission, Smitty Garza of Pleasanton, Jerry Priddy of Priddy and Herbie Danmier of Boerne.

Serving as honorary pallbearers were Bill Akers of Leakey, Bob Packer of Mansfield, Bob Franz of Pleasanton, Ruben Soto Jr. of Laredo and David Venecia of Corpus Christi.

At the family's request, people can send flowers or make donations to The American Heart Association (South Texas Region), PO Box 29306, San Antonio, Texas 78229.

Local arrangements were handled by Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton and Howard-Williams-Turcotte Funeral Home in Hebbronville handled the service and interment.