Donald Durwood Pickard

Age 101, of Lansing, passed away October 12, 2011.  Donald was born December 5, 1909, in Belding, MI.  He attended public schools in Belding and earned a B.A. in Music, and later a M.A. in Counseling at Michigan State University.  He taught in the Michigan public schools for 37 years, his last 31 years at Pattengill Junior High School in Lansing.  There, he distinguished himself as Band Director followed by service as the Director of Counseling, retiring as assistant principal.

Pickard was a veteran of World War II, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for distinguished service at the Anzio beachhead in Italy.  He was a life member of the Disabled Veterans.  Pickard was a long time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he was an ordained Elder, a member of both the Men’s Club and the Chancel Choir.  He taught Adult Bible Class for many years and was Director of Music as well.  Later in life, he became a member of Central United Methodist Church in Lansing.  Pickard was also active in RSVP and the Mobile Meals program.  He was an escort for St. Lawrence Hospital for many years.

Mr. Pickard was preceded in death by Geraldine, his wife of sixty years.  Surviving him are: his daughter, Janet (William) Stern of Hunting Valley, OH; son, Chris (Donna) Pickard of Williamsburg, VA; 4 grandchildren, Lauren (Eric) Scherr, David (Danielle) Stern, Michelle and Stephen Pickard; great-grandson, Ethan Scherr; and Arline Roe, his very special companion.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2011, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI  48933.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI  48933.

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Ellen Whipple
October 12, 2011 at 7:17 pm

My sincere condolences to all those who were touched by Don, most know to me are Arlene and my dear friend Jo Ellyn. May he rest in peace.

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