Ernest Lee Pickens

September 21, 1963– February 29, 2024

Ernest Pickens 60, of Elkhart Indiana, passed away on February 29, 2024.

He is survived by his wife Michelle Lynn (Fisher) Pickens; sons Tyler (Maryna) Pickens, Adam (Sam) Pickens and Nicholas Pickens; sisters Rita Burnett, Gladys Jackson, and Martha Search; and grandchildren Liam Pickens and Luke Pickens.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Nancy (Green) Pickens; a brother Earl Pickens; and a sister Barbara Fager.

Ernest was a lifelong member of the VFW #360 and a Department of Corrections (DOC) working through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and achieving the esteemed rank of Captain.  He was a Team Leader for the Indiana DOC Hostage Negotiation Team.  He proudly serviced our country in the United Sates Army.  Ernest served in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Desert Sweep. He was a true leader and role model for all who met him.  He was a hero of a human being and the most loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather ("Pop Pop" to his grandsons).  He enjoyed watching old Westerns on TV and they helped him feel better while he was fighting his illness. He was a handyman that "could fix "ANYTHING" and he loved to barbeque on his Pit Boss. His boss said "he taught his team members honor, commitment, dedication and servanthood."  Most of all he loved his precious family, sharing that they meant everything to him and he stated he would be watching over them, keeping them safe, and sending them love beyond measure for eternity.

Family and friends may gather at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, located at 10776 McKinley Hwy., Osceola, IN 46561 on Friday, March 08, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm.  A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm with burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.