Harold Pickering

Harold Pickering

Harold Pickering, 93, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012.
Harold D. Pickering was born near Hartford, MO, on August 12, 1918, the son of Dewey and Mabel (Wood) Pickering, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Unionville High School in 1935 and worked at several odd jobs before attending barber school in 1939 and settling into that business with his father. On March 21, 1941, he enlisted into the United States Army. On March 23, 1941 he married Vera Mustain in Princeton, MO, and she preceded him in death on January 29, 2008.
Harold reported for duty in the Army on March 26, 1941, and within four months was promoted to Sergeant. It was during this time he first met General George S. Patton. Harold served overseas in the European theatre as a Sergeant Major, seeing action in the Battle of the Bulge. He received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant, which he deferred until 1955. He was discharged in 1945, but entered the US Army Reserves where he served until 1978. During that time Harold was given command of the Iowa National Guard stationed at Centerville, IA. He retired at the rank of Major and was then given the honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel.
Harold returned to Unionville after his service in the Army and worked with his father and brother Jack in Dewey and Sons (later Pickering Barber Shop) Barbers. Harold also began to trade in guns and saddles out of the barber shop in the 1950’s. From 1950-54 Harold served two terms as mayor of Unionville. He was also a 50 year Mason as well as past Post Commander of the Unionville VFW and member of the American Legion Post #34 in Unionville. He was active in the Unionville Christian Church. Harold retired from being a barber in 1982, but could always be seen in the very early morning hours taking a brisk six mile walk/march around Unionville.
Harold Pickering is survived by his three children: John Pickering and wife Susan of Foristell, MO; Dennis Pickering and wife Joyce of Lake Panorama, IA; and DeeAnn Bowles and husband Mike of Lee’s Summit, MO. Surviving grandchildren are Dr. Jeff Pickering and wife Rachel, Jane Stephens and husband Brad, Brent Pickering, Eric Pickering, Kelli Klein, and Dr. Brian Bowles and wife Suzanne. Great grandchildren are Mark Pickering, Sam and Will Stephens, Ashton and Carson Pickering, Alex and Sierra Pickering, Sarah, Emma and Joshua Klein, and Ella and Lydia Bowles. Harold is also survived by a sister, Geri Haynie of Lake Kiowa, TX, and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Pickering of Unionville, MO
Others who preceded Harold in death were two brothers, Gerald, who died in infancy, and Jack as well as a sister, Darlene Sweet.
Memorial services for Harold Pickering will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 2:00 on Thursday, May 31, 2012. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Harold’s wishes were to be cremated. An interment will be held at a later date.
Memorials for Harold Pickering are suggested to the Unionville Masonic Lodge, the Army Emergency Relief Fund or the Putnam County Care Center and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.