Donald Wesley Pickens Jr.

August 17, 1951 – April 19, 2023

Donald Wesley Pickens, Jr. was born August 17, 1951, to Donald Wesley Pickens, Sr. and Freda Mae Pickens in Champaign, Illinois. He attended Santa Barbara State University where he majored in Mathematics. After graduating, he became a tennis instructor and coach for a diverse population of clients.

As a young man, he participated in the sport of baseball in both his hometown and after his family moved to California. He was an avid sports fan, loved cooking, fishing on his boat, entertaining family and friends and taking care his beloved dogs, which during his lifetime were many.

In his later years, Don found the love of his life Cookie Palmer. They were married on April 21, 2012, and shared their lives and his last moments on earth together when God called him home.

After Don accepted Christ, he became a Deacon in the Church of Christ where he served faithfully for many years. He was a loving husband, son, father, stepfather, and good friend to many. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved making others laugh.

Donald (Don, Donnie) is survived by his loving wife Cookie, brother Darrell, daughter Annalisa, stepchildren Taa and Jamaal Palmer, aunts, cousins, and a host of family and friends. They will celebrate his life and cherish his memory in times to come.

A visitation for Donald will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel West Covina, 2333 West Merced Ave, West Covina, CA 91790. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Live Oak Memorial Park, 200 E Duarte Rd, Monrovia, CA 91016.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariadelangelWC.com for the Pickens family.