Thomas Dean Pickens

Thomas Dean Pickens, 15 years old, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at his home.  Thomas was born on January 5, 2002 in South Bend and has been a lifelong resident of Walkerton.  He recently completed the 9th grade at John Glenn High School in Walkerton.

Thomas is survived by his parents, David E. and Heather M. Pickens of Walkerton; sister, Maggie Pickens; grandparents, Thomas and Florence Erdelyi of Walkerton, Earl and Gennie Pickens of South Bend, and Janet (Sarah McMillan) Collins of South Bend; aunts and uncles, Tina (Jeff Fites) Klinedinst of South Bend, Judy (Carl Beougher) Neirynck of DeMotte,  Bonnie (Walter) Quinto of Walkerton, Patricia (Albert) Parker of LaPorte, Deb Strickland, Tena Bussie and Tim (Sandy) Vice, all of Plymouth; many cousins and extended family; and his feline friends, Artie and Percy.

Thomas was a shy, funny and polite young man.  He was quite literally a great kid.  A wonderful son and the absolute best big brother a little girl could ask for.  He loved his family and many friends.  He loved to read and soaked up a plethora of knowledge on war history, guns, tanks, etc.  Video games were also a big hobby for him and he enjoyed playing them with his friends.  He also felt great pleasure in tearing up his parent’s yard with the four-wheeler and taking Maggie for rides.  He inherited the family’s love of cars at a very young age and was a good mechanic.  Thomas spent a lot of time in the garage with his dad.  They were rebuilding a Camaro together that would have been his first car.  Many car related activities as a family were enjoyed, as well as, short trips and vacations.  Tennessee was the favorite destination.  Thomas was well-liked by everyone who met him.  He will be missed beyond words. 

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the North Liberty Church of Christ, 65225 State Road 23, North Liberty where friends may visit with the family from 2:00-4:00 p.m.  If owned, please drive a classic car or truck to the service representing Thomas’s love for cars.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Thomas D. Pickens may be donated to his parents where an educational fund will be established for Maggie, c/o Palmer Funeral Home, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN  46614.  Online condolences may be offered to the Pickens family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

 Service Information