Ralph O. Pickard

Ralph Oren Pickard, born October 19,1934 in McLloud, Oklahoma to Leon and Gertrue Pickard, went to his eternal home March, 9, 2022. He was the oldest of seven children. Ralph joined the US Army after high school and served his country in Panama overseeing the security of the Panama Canal. Ralph then went to work at Oklahoma Publishing Company where he remained for 39 years until he retired. He met the love of his life, Jimmie Faye Pickard in Oklahoma City, when he returned from the Army. They were married for 56 years until the Lord called her home. Ralph missed her everyday. Ralph and Jimmie raised five children together after losing two sons at birth. After retiring he and Jimmie split time between their home in Del City and land he had bought outside Westville, OK. When the May 1999 tornado severely damaged the property in Del City they moved to Westville, Oklahoma where he continued farming, raising cattle, growing garden vegetables and picking up rocks until he fully retired in the Fall of 2020. He loved spending time on the land, working outside all day. He was a true example of a hard working man. We loved his gardening because he would bring us fresh cucumbers, squash, okra, tomatoes and watermelons.

Ralph loved his Lord and strived to be the earthly example that Jesus calls us to be. He took his great grandchildren in Westville to church every Sunday until he stopped driving last May, and even then he wanted to make sure they were taken to church. Ralph came to live with his son and daughter in-law in May where he remained until the Lord called him home. He would ask us everyday, "is today Sunday yet”! He loved going to church and seeing all the people who loved on him and especially to see the babies. The highlight of his week would be Sunday lunch with family and seeing the babies.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Pickard and Gertrue Pickard. HIs siblings Willa Mae Pickard, Leroy Pickard, Delena Pickard and Robert Pickard. His children, sons- David Pickard, Oren Pickard, and Richard Pickard and daughter- Laura Alton.

Ralph is survived by siblings Leon Pickard and Shirley Morphew; his son, Darrell Pickard, daughter- in -law Gaylia; son Danny Pickard, daughter -in -law Danya; daughter Lisa Threet; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ralph, Dad, or Papaw as he was called by his loved ones will be deeply missed, but we know he gained his reward and is smiling from ear to ear in Heaven. I can only imagine the reunion in Heaven with his beautiful Jimmie and his Lord and Savior. Thank you for being an example to all of us. You were a treasured little man and loved beyond measure.