Dan Pickens

A resident of Baton Rouge since 1961, Dan Pickens died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, with his children by his side. Dan was born in Farmerville on June 10, 1925, then resided in West Monroe. After graduating from Ouachita Parish High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served in World War II. He attended Northeast Louisiana University and graduated from LSU. Dan loved baseball and fondly recalled his years being a great catcher with the Natchez Mississippi Indians of the old Evangeline League, and was proud of having played against the Baton Rouge Red Sticks. After retiring from the Department of Education in 1988, Dan, an avid golfer, could be found at Webb Golf Course three days a week with his good friends. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ernestine; daughters, Linda Pickens, of Walker, and Wanda Rawls and spouse Skipper, of Lake Mary, Fla.; son, Clyde Pickens and spouse Vicki, of Paris, Texas; brother, James Pickens, of West Monroe; grandchildren, Hunter and Heath Rawls, of Lake Mary, Fla., Chris Pickens, and Cassie Snell and spouse Brad, all of Paris, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Riley Rawls, Cadriene and Braysen Snell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and Olivia Pickens, and sister, Jacqueline Knight, who were of West Monroe; and granddaughter, Heather Rawls, who was of Lake Mary. Dan's wishes were to have his body donated to medical science and a private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date.