William Edward (Eddie) Pickens, 77-year-old resident of West Plains, departed this life to enter his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.
Eddie was born on July 29, 1947, to Bill & Geneva (Brooks) Pickens in Garden City, KS He currently resided in West Plains but had also lived in Branson & Doniphan, Missouri. He currently attended church at Thomasville Baptist Church in Thomasville, MO.
On July 2, 1982, Eddie married Debbie (Brown) Pickens, and she survives.
Eddie had driven a truck over the road for many years, worked at Reed Spring School District, and as Cousin Willie at Shepherd of The Hills in Branson.
Eddie enjoyed life, traveling, playing games & music, singing and serving the Lord as a Song Leader and working with the youth at various churches over his lifetime. Special pride in his life was fishing with his grandchildren.
Eddie is survived by his spouse, Debbie Pickens of West Plains; his children, Jerry Pickens of West Plains, Janine & Dewey Brooks of Taneyville, Jackie Jones of Branson, Jodi & Kevin Brown of Branson, Jason & Heidi Pickens of Branson, and Billie Jo & Andy Knowles of Poplar Bluff, his grandchildren, Amanda Kraus, Anthony Pickens, Daniel Pickens, Vanessa Hurley, Tanner Jones, Caleb Jones, Shelby Vickers, Brandon Brown , Brenna Brown, Kaybreona Brown, Kaitlin Ohlmeier, Dylan Linthicum, Autumn Linthicum, Derrick Jack, Allie Murphree, Mirah Knowles and Millie Knowles; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elaine Hollomon of Doniphan, Louise & Wes Drennan of Branson; mother-in-law, Doreen Brown of Doniphan; brothers-in-law; Richard & Linda Brown, Bill Brown, & Daniel Brown; along with many extended family member and friends; last but not least, his beloved canine companion, Jasmine.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Geneva Pickens; his paternal grandparents, William & Myrtle Pickens; maternal grandparents, Dewey & Nancy Brooks; brothers, Bob Pickens & Kenny Pickens; father-in-law, Bill Brown; daughters, Courtney Pickens & Marilee Pacheco; and grandchildren, Courtney Murphree & Nathan Brooks; beloved poodle, Annabelle.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, from 4-6 pm at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel followed by the funeral service at 6 pm. A private family burial will be at the Tucker Cemetery at a later day.
