Thomas Pickering

Thomas James Pickering, 88, died at 12:10 p.m. October 3, 2008, at his residence. He was born March 17, 1920, in Bellefontaine, Ohio to Lewis B. and Nellie M. Taylor Pickering, who preceded him in death. On June 20, 1943, he married Elizabeth J. VanScoder, who died January 17, 1977. Mr. Pickering retired in 1982 as a carpenter from United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, of which he was a member for 54 years. He had also worked at Lima-Baldwin-Hamilton and Westinghouse Electric Corp. in the 1940s. He was a member of St. Luke Evangelical Church. He was a member of AMVETS Post 1, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370 and Carpenters Local 372. He attended a one-room school in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving with the 112th Medical Division from Bellefontaine, Ohio. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, playing cards and playing the harmonica. He was devoted to his family. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Shelley, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, and Shirley (Darrell) Redmond, of Elida, Ohio; a grandson, Daniel T. Shelley, of Wapakoneta, Ohio; a great-granddaughter, Adrianne Shelley; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Mark Pickering, Paul Pickering and Taylor Pickering; and three sisters, Margaretta Pickering, Pearl Focht and Mary Randall. Graveside services will begin at noon Monday in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor?s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.