David Wickens Obituary

David Lee Wickens

East Lansing

David was born in Battle Creek, MI on February 10, 1935 to Bennie L. and Margaret B. Wickens. David died on January 1, 2016 at the age of 80. On June 23, 1956, he married Constance and they began their life together. David worked at Sear's selling appliances until 1967 when he took a chance, got his builders license and started in business with his brother, Bennie. David loved a jackpot and you could find him and Connie, casino bound many a days. He enjoyed going south to the family's favorite spot, Siesta Key and later spending his winters in Gulf Port, Mississippi with his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bennie C; his sister, Mary Ellen Carroll; his daughter, Paula Wickens; and grandsons, David and Joseph Alvarado. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Constance (Connie) Wickens; his children, Daniel (Marcy) Wickens, Brenda Wickens, Joseph Wickens, Stephanie Wickens; grandchildren, Jonathan and Caroline Wickens and Natalie Alvarado; and lastly, a special nephew, Stephen Wickens.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, contributions may be made in David's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal from Jan. 7 to Jan. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Wickens

5 Entries

Robbie Knotts

January 8, 2016

I forgot to say yesterday that whenever I called the house, Dave would always say that Connie was ready to go on a trip and where were we going.... He loved to see Connie enjoy life like that. It is not a common thing where husbands don't mind their wives taking off with a bunch of girls for several weeks at a time but I could tell he loved seeing Connie get to see the world. And because of his support, I was able to go and see a lot of the world with my favorite girls!! Thank you for those experiences Dave and I will miss talking to you!!

Robbie Knotts

January 7, 2016

I had the pleasure of meeting Dave back in 2007. Although I had many conversations prior to that with him over the phone when I had called to touch base with Connie (he always was the one to answer the phone and he knew exactly who I was by my accent), it was nice to finally put a face to the voice. He has very kind and gracious as I stayed with him and Connie over that weekend. It was fun getting to know him! I will be thinking about the entire family, who I have grown to love over the years. Praying for comfort during this time and that all of the best of memories will live in your hearts forever!

Rick Garrett

January 7, 2016

Sorry for your loss

January 7, 2016

Dear Connie, Danny, Brenda, Joe and Stephanie
As I stopped and thought about all my memories with Uncle Dave there were so many it was hard to choose just a few to mention however here goes
My oldest memory is of visiting him and Aunt Connie in Louisiana while they were stationed there in the army. We drove down to see Dave in a place they were renting He was in a bathtub full of ice. It was over 100 degrees there, the steam coming off the streets, and the tent bugs and webs in the trees. Aunt Connie was sweeping the kitchen floor pulled a rug back to a small hole in the floor where she swept the dirt and crumbs into that went down to the ground where the chickens came up and ate whatever was swept down there. LOL That was the only time in my life I visited Louisianait was very hot there with no air conditioning. But the memory stuck.
Uncle Dave always brought humor to the family which was much needed as life can be taken too seriously and often was by the family. That humor was badly needed and very welcome.
I was always impressed that he was able to work most of his working career with his brother. Most of you would not know how hard working with a family member can be compared to working for an employer. You are balancing pulling your weight at a job along with keeping the relationship in tack with a family member. Kudos to you Uncle Dave!
My last visit with him was at Lakeside he had stopped by to visit my brother Tom. He pulled me aside and we talked in his car. After talking about the apartments for a moment and after a few jokes about kids he said his biggest worry was his kids. He loved all of you very much, and was worried after he was gone what would happen to you. I told him you do the best you can with what you have at that moment in life from there the kids have to spread their wings and try life out. No parent can prepare a child for everything life will throw their way. Nor can a parent fix every hurt. As we all learn going through life, the hard things, the things you were not expecting are what teach you and grow you the most and also the most difficult. As an adult you are responsible for what path your life takes not your parents. It is hard as a parent to not want to give your kids everything however by doing so they miss out on learning the school of hard knocks.
My fondest memory as I am sure my parents (Dave's Sister) and his brother (Ben) and all of us kids (14) in total and our kids and now their kids would be Siesta Key Florida. If not for Uncle Dave and Aunt Connie none of us would have experienced that city and state. They started those memories for all of us years and years ago and continue on in our memories and our kids memories. I never knew why they chose that city and state however I am internally gratefully for the very happy memories.
Thank YOU so Much!
We will miss you Uncle Dave you planted humor and good times in our lives, God Bless you, we will see you soon and hope it will be on a sunny day with fine sand, and the sound of waves and a cooler full of ice waiting LOL
Love to you all Debbie Charlie Laura Tyler and Baby Charlie

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Pam (Farrington) Foster

January 6, 2016

Dear Connie & family - I will always remember Dave with a warm smile and the feeling that he was happy to see me and our family. Our dad has enjoyed sharing many of the crazy things they did when they were young; they were quite an adventurous pair! My thoughts and prayers are with you now as you honor and remember him and in the days ahead as you figure out life without him. Love, Pam

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