Mark Pickens

Mark David Pickens, 48, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. He was born on May 31, 1977 in South Bend, Indiana to Donald and Mary Ann (Hay) Pickens. Mark is survived by his mother Mary Ann Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, his longtime girlfriend, Crystal Grubbs of South Bend, Indiana, his son, William John Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, two brothers, Bryan (Cheyenne) Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, Chris (Jamie Kyle) Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, one uncle Gary Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, three aunts, Susie Emerick of South Bend, Indiana, Joyce Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, and Gennie Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, one nephew, Luke Pickens of Elkhart, Indiana, three nieces, Alexia and Kaylee Pickens of Elkhart, Indiana and Kaycee Pickens of South Bend, Indiana, Father-in-Law, Brian E. (Mary Ash) Grubbs, Sr. of South Bend, Indiana, two brothers-in-law, Brian E. (Sarah Peden), Jr., of South Bend, Indiana and Bruce Sater of South Bend, Indiana and several cousins and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his father Donald Pickens, three uncles, Harold Pickens, Don Emerick, and Earl Pickens, one sister-in-law, Jan Pickens and his paternal grandparents Ray A. and Marjorie L. Pickens.

Mark graduated from Washington High School in 1996. He received his associates degree from IUSB. He enjoyed playing football, soccer, and baseball. The proudest moment of Mark's life was becoming a father to his son William. He helped with coaching William's football and baseball games. Mark would take his son to Tractor Pull's. He collected farm tractors, especially Farmall tractors. He spent a lot of time in the outdoors. Although he was not a veteran, Mark spent a lot of time with veterans and was an auxiliary member of The VFW 9820 as well as the American Legion Post #284. He earned his journeyman card for Carpentry. He was also certified for heating and air conditioning maintenance and service.

A visitation for Mark will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN. The VFW 9820 will perform a ceremony at 5:00 pm during the visitation. A celebration of Mark's life will be held in the springtime. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mark's son William J. Pickens at The Notre Dame Federal Credit Union