William Lawrence Pickering
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A visitation for William Lawrence Pickering, 79, Lawrence, will be held from 11:00 ~ 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Connect Church in Lawrence. An inurnment will be held at Lyons Municipal Cemetery in Lyons, KS on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. William passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at his home.
He was born on January 5, 1944, in Los Angeles, CA, the son of William S. and Louise R. (Kusch) Pickering.
He served his country in the Air National Guard from.
William received his bachelor’s degree from Ft. Hays State University and his master’s degree from Denver University. He also attended Central Baptist Theological Seminary for a year.
He worked for the Lawrence SRS office until he retired in 2000.
He was a member of Lawrence Wesleyan Church.
He married Judith “Judy” Spoon on August 22, 1965, in Mitchell, KS. She survives at home.
Other survivors include his two daughters, Rebecca L. (John Conrad) Pickering, Andrea M. (James) Pike; ten grandchildren; Robyn (Gary Cosey) Henderson, Rita (Cody) Nungesser, Elaney (Chris) Rigby, Elyssa (Andrew) Conrad, Ryan Osburn, Reese Henderson, Skylar, William, Alley Alyssa, four great grandchildren; Ravyn, Romauri, Royal, Willow, and Cooper is on the way, and brother, David L. Pickering.
William was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in William’s name to the Lawrence Humane Society or Connect Church or Meals on Wheels and may be sent to Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th street Lawrence KS. 66044
I respected Bill as a supervisor who was competent but with an excellent sense of humor. He was able to laugh at the occasional silliness of a large bureaucracy while deeply respecting its mission.
William was my cousin.
We lived miles and miles apart, yet it didn’t dampen my love for him!
I met him and Judy and the girls here in California and remembered the instant connection that we all had!
That’s what family is all about!
Judy and the girls will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Love, Mary
Ernie Dyer
The thing I will always remember about Bill is his love of an auction. If there was an auction in the area where was a good chance Bill would be in attendance. I also had the privilege of working with Bill in the Lawrence SRS Office. He always had the needs of the clientele in mine.
You will be missed.
Daddy was wonderful. He was a shining star in our family. I want to thank everyone who has sent condolences and comfort to my mother, sister Rebecca, our kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
My father had a heart of gold and he will be missed.
Special thank you to the funeral home, for your kindness, patience and compassion.
Bill and I go way back, to the 1970s, through our work for the State,.
He was the boss of my boss and later, he was my direct boss. He was calm
Kind, and always tried to advise the on the best way forward. I truly enjoyed
Working with him and will never forget the support he gave me as a social worker.
Bill was such a kind and gentle man. He and Judy helped me with a respite when I needed a break from my roommates while at KU. I will never forget their generosity and love in a time when I just needed to be around family. He will be missed.
Who didn’t love Bill? He married my cousin Judy 57 years ago. He was soft-spoken, kind, intelligent, religious guy who made you feel like you were the only person who mattered. He will truly be missed. Love you, Bill.
Miss you papa your great grandchildren Ryan Reese Ravyn romauri royal and cooper all love you and will know you as they get older. Fly high papa