Richard (Rick) Allen Pickering was born on Feb. 3rd, 1954, and died Tuesday June 12, 2023, after a battle with lung cancer.  PSA: please quit smoking!  Rick, most accurately described as fun-loving, was a graduate of Muncie Southside High School Class of 1972.  After his time as a Southside Rebel, he proudly joined the US Army as a reconnaissance paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Infantry.   After the Army Rick held various jobs until accepting a position as a custodian for Muncie Community School until retirement in 2014.

Rick loved riding motorcycles and the annual "Bottom Feeders Bike Trip" where he was known as Recon Rick. He enjoyed water & snow skiing and the yearly "Ski Bums" snow skiing trip.  He was a big fan of Indianapolis Colts football, boating, and throwing back some cold ones.  He loved history and had an impressive ability to retain trivial knowledge and he loved enlightening people on his intelligence level during trivial pursuit games.  But most importantly he loved family.  His loving wife and partner in crime for over 30 years Pam.  His two sons Chad Pickering (Renee), and Brad Pickering (Misty), and two daughters Christina Pickering (James), and Brandi Phipps (Josh), two loving brothers; Jim (Patti) and Ernie Pickering, and 10 grandchildren.

Rick will be remembered most for his sense of humor.  The man was a comedian and could find humor in just about anything!  Also, for being the slowest eater in the universe.  More importantly, Rick believed strongly in the Constitution, human rights, Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness for all.  He was accepting of all and was a chameleon who could fit in anywhere with anyone.

He is preceded in death by his mother Gertrude Pickering and father Clyde E. Pickering.  While we wish he could be here with us today, we are honored to celebrate his wonderful life and the memories we have all shared with him at Parson Mortuary on June 16, 2023, from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.

Join us for a celebration of life after the burial service at the Muncie American Legion Post 19.