Thomas Elza Pickens June 20, 1919 - August 8, 2010 Thomas Elza Pickens of Waco passed away Sunday, August 8, 2010, surrounded by his family. Services will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, August 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Chaplain Larry Holden officiating. Burial will follow at Billington Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 11, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Thomas was born June 20, 1919, in Ennis, Texas, to Thomas Elza Pickens, Sr. and Mary Pickens. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He was at the Battle of Okinawa, obtained the rank of Machinist Mate 3rd Class and Fireman 1st Class. After retiring from the Municipality of Anchorage, AK, where he worked as a carpenter, he returned to Waco. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 60 years, Imogene. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Kleckley, Waco; Diane Sims and husband, Kris, Sun City, AZ; sons, Thomas W. Pickens and wife, Laureen, of Phoenix, Arizona; Daniel "B" Pickens and wife, Doris, Truth or Consequences, NM; nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Hospice or the charity of choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.
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