Robert Pickernell (1916-2002)

PICKERNELL

Posted By: Patrick Turner (email)
Date: 2/24/2003 at 23:10:57

Thursday, April 25, 2002

Council Bluffs/Neola

In Memory: Robert R. Pickernell

Robert R. Pickernell, 86, of Gladstone, Missouri, died Monday, April 15, 2002 at North Kansas City Hospital.

He was born February 10, 1916, in Council Bluffs to John Franklin and Elizabeth Schnitker Pickernell. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Neola in 1934.

He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Arkansas and Iowa. He also served in the National Guard until joining the Army in 1941.

During World War II he was stationed in Ireland, Scotland, northern Africa and Italy. As part of the Allied forces moving through Italy, he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

He married Doris Jane Darby in November 11, 1945 in Arizona.

Mr. Pickernell's work experience included clerking in grocery and auto parts stores until he was hired as a route salesman for American Bakeries. After retirement from the bakery in 1973, he began working for the North Kansas City School District as a custodian at Oakwood Manor School until he retired in 1981.

He enjoyed working in his yard, watching New York Yankees baseball and visiting with anyone who would listen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald; and two sisters, Frances Anderson of Omaha and Mary McCreery of California.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Doris Jane Darby Pickernell of Gladstone; a daughter and son-in law, Sharon and Jim Wright of Grain Valley, Missouri; a son and daughter in law, Jim and Phyllis Pickernell of Merriam, Kansas; a sister, Margaret P. Strasser of Culver City, California; five grandchildren, Gretchyn Wright of St. Louis, Missouri, Kristin and Eric Wright of Grain Valley, Erin Pickernell of Chesapeake, Virginia and Breana Pickernell of Merriam, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A prayer service was held April 17 at the McGilley Antioch Chapel in Kansas City; Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18; and burial was in Resurrection Cemetery North.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Capital Campaign of St. Pius X High School, 1500 NE 42nd Terr., Kansas City, MO 64116 or to the St. Charles Capital Campaign, 900 NE Shady Ln. Dr., Oakview MO 64118.