Charles Douglas "Doug" Pickering, 78, of Markleville died July 17, 2017 at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis after an extended illness.
He served in the United States Marine Corps from June 1957 to April 1960.
He was born March 8, 1939 in Anderson, the son of Charles Eugene "Gene" and Ethel "Louise" (Ashby) Pickering and graduated from Highland High School in 1957.
He was a telephone repairman in communications for AT & T, Indiana Bell retiring from Ameritech in 1994 after 28 years.
He was a member of Friends of the Mounds, International Federation of Leather Guild and Central Indiana Leather Guild. He wintered in Phoenix, Arizona and worked with Habitat for Humanity in Phoenix. He was an instructor for 4H and Boy Scout members in leatherwork. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Guild of Leatherworkers in 2011.
He is survived by his wife, Nita Joan (Eshelman) Pickering; four children, Matthew (Trisha) Pickering of Jasonville, IN; Kathie (John) Buell of Anderson, Christine (John) Storms of Katy, TX; Brian (Carrie) Pickering of Anderson; Daughter-in-law, Valerie Pickering of Connersville; 13 grandchildren, Benjamin (wife, Audrey) of Dugger, IN, Nathaniel (wife, Autumn) of US Navy, Fallon, NV, Zebadiah and Patrick both of Jasonville, IN; Elizabeth of Connersville, IN; Laura Chappell (companion, Eddie Robbins) of Anderson, Tim (wife, Tina) Chappell of Anderson and Amanda Buell (companion, Randal Smith) of Kentucky; Olivia and John both of Katy, TX; and Morgan, Lauren, and Taylor all of Anderson; 3 great-grandchildren, Landon and Devon Robbins and Ethan Smith; step-mother-in-law, Thelma Eshelman of Anderson; brother-in-law, Larry (wife, Edna) Eshelman of Pendleton; 2 sisters-in-law, Rita Ashby of Anderson and Mary (husband, Lynn) Antrim of Daleville and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Pickering; a grandchild, Margaret Pickering; a mother-in-law, Jeanne M. Eshelman Burk; a father-in-law, Joseph E. Eshelman; and a sister-in-law, Lori Eshelman.
Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Rev. Richard True officiating. Burial will follow in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to Friends of the Mounds c/o Mounds State Park or the charity of the donor's choice.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.