Thomas J. Pickering

Thomas “Tom” Joe Pickering, 84, of Carmel, Indiana, took his last breath on this earth on September 9, 2026. He was born on August 15, 1942, in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Thomas Eugene Pickering and Freda (Morris) Long.

Tom married the love of his life, Patricia (Rollo), on December 27, 1967. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless cherished memories.

Tom loved his country and proudly served more than 21 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with numerous honors and decorations. Among them was the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration for valor in combat, awarded for his gallantry in action during the Vietnam War.

His final military assignment brought him to Fort Benjamin Harrison, an unusual posting for an Armor Officer. He had been specially requested because of his knowledge of Indiana events and, among his many responsibilities, coordinated military participation and flyovers for the Pan Am Games, Indianapolis 500 races, and numerous other ceremonies. His service to his country was a source of great pride throughout his life.

Following his military retirement, Tom joined the adjunct faculty at Pierce College in Washington State, where he taught for more than 20 years. He quickly became known as "Coach" to his students and was an exceptional and inspirational professor as well as a gifted writer who touched and inspired countless students throughout his career. Teaching was far more than a profession to Tom; it was his greatest passion and a lifelong calling. He often said that his greatest reward was seeing a student succeed, both in college and in life.

Tom was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was spending time with those he loved. A wonderful husband and father, he delighted in planning memorable vacations and adventures for his family, combining his love of travel with his desire to create lasting memories together. He also possessed a wonderful sense of humor and became notorious for his dad jokes, quick wit, and memorable quips.

A passionate alumnus, Tom was a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of Indiana University athletics. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Hoosiers and proudly carried his love for his alma mater throughout his life.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Patricia “Pat” Pickering; daughters, Jennifer Clark (fiancé, Jay Kinder) and Leigh Anne "LA" Ferrell; brother, Marvin Pickering; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Marilyn Krall and Cindy Gibson.

As Tom leaves this earth for his next journey into the loving hands of God, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy, one defined by his love of God, his country, and, above all, his family. There are no words to fully express the depth of the loss felt by those who loved him so dearly. Yet, in the midst of that grief, there is comfort in knowing that Tom is now at peace and that his life of service, love, and devotion will continue to live on in all those whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Prairie Waters Event Center, 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, Indiana 46062. Family remarks and a final toast to Tom will take place at 5:30 p.m. In honor of Tom’s love of Indiana University, those attending are encouraged to wear red and white.

A private family service and entombment will take place prior to the Celebration of Life at Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Tom’s name be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization he greatly admired and supported for its work honoring and supporting our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.