Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Ralph Allen Pickett, 89-year-old Worland resident, passed away on April 8, 2016 at the Washakie Medical Center in Worland.
Ralph was born on August 15, 1926 in Basin, Wyoming, a son of Harold Allen and Esther Elizabeth (Johnston) Pickett who farmed north of Worland. He entered into the Durkee Country School in 1932, graduating in 1944. From there he entered into Washakie County High School, graduating in 1944. Following graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps for two years, serving one year at Rhein Mein Airfield in Frankfurt, Germany in the Army of Occupation. Returning to the Unites States in Early 1947, he was honorably discharged from the military.
He worked at a variety of jobs for the next three years, rough neck on a drilling rig, truck driver, pipeline worker US Post Office and Pure Oil Co, finally working for Texas Gulf Sulphur Co as an operator. In 1950 he also became a weekend military person by enlisting in the Wyoming National Guard, the 30th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. During his service North Korea invaded South Korea and war broke out. The 300th was federalized in August, 1950 by President Harry S. Truman and sent to Ft. Lewis, Washington for further training and consequently to South Korea where he served with great distinction, earning many awards, both personal and for the battalion.
Ralph married Donna Jean Coats on December 11, 1966. The couple was married for 42 years before she passed away on March 15, 2009.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #44, VFW, Elks Lodge and the United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Jeanie.
Survivors include his sons, Allen Pickett of Arizona, Danny of California, Mike of Utah; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sister, Donna Swing of Worland.
Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Pastor Steven Brown officiating. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post #44. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.
