David Wayne Pickering
David Wayne Pickering
David Wayne Pickering, 75, of Columbia, passed on June 1st 2023 after a brief but intense battle with ALS.
David was born on July 22, 1947 to Dorothy Louise née Dodge and Clifford Franklin Pickering in St. Joseph. He grew up as the youngest of three children Stephen Franklin and Karen Kay in Hamilton, David spent his childhood playing sports and working on the family farm. After graduating from Penny High School in 1965, he went on to study English Literature and European History at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
In the wake of the Vietnam War, David pursued graduate studies at Warrensburg but was drafted on his birthday in 1971, after which he began basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. David’s skill in typing led him to training as a legal clerk stateside and documenting soldier statements while stationed in Long Bihn Post.
After returning from the war, David pursued many professions that enabled him to interact with many people and leveraged his seemingly limitless handyman skills including being part owner of The Loading Zone and area manager for the A-Frame apartment complex. It was during this time that David met Dorian Yates Strong of Hannibal, Missouri, with whom he started a family, going on to have two sons, D. Martin Pickering and R. Taylor Pickering.
Despite the rapid progress of ALS, David remained surrounded and supported by the many people he counted as friends until his passing. Undoubtedly his energy, kindness and wit will be greatly missed.
David was predeceased by his parents and brother. He is survived by his sister and two sons.
Please join us for a celebration of life to be held on Sunday, July 30th from 10:00AM to 1:00PM at the Columbia Parks and Recreation Moss building, 1905 Hillcrest Drive, Columbia, MO 65201. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association at ALS.org or at The ALS Association, PO Box 37022 Boone, IA 50037-0022
