CPT. David "Pick" Gene Pickering
November 8, 1947 – February 16, 2018

CPT. David Gene Pickering “Pick” US Army-Retired passed from this life to the next on February 16, 2018, in Spring, Texas. Dave was born on November 8, 1947, to Novaline Gretschel. Pick is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Brenda Pickering, his brother Max Gretschel, children, daughter Talia Baker and husband Jeff, daughter Danielle Raborn and husband Bryon, and son Mark Auvenshine and wife Pam, grandchildren, Jeffery Jr. “JJ” Baker and wife Louise, Jessica Baker Mathis and husband Justin, Christian Hillis, Glenn Auvenshine, Gilbert Baker, Cameron Black and wife Haley, Karen Auvenshine, and Jakob Baker, great grandchildren, Melonie Baker, Allen “3J” Baker, George Baker, and Sara Paisley Black.

Dave entered the US Army at the age of 17 in 1964, served 2 tours (27 months) in Vietnam as a Huey Helicopter Pilot and was shot down twice. He earned numerous awards and certifications during his 25 years of service to his beloved country including National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14), Vietnam Service Medal w/7 Bronze Service Start, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Army Aviator Badge, Air Medal (28 awards), Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Civil Action Medal First Class, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Air Medal (7) w/V Device, Four Overseas Service Bars, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Arm Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Master Aviator Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Courses Fixed Wing Qualification Course, Rotary Wing Aviator’s Course, Rotary Wing Aviator’s Advance Course, Warrant Officer Orientation Course, Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Qualification Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Army Aviation Safety Course.

He also held a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies, a School of Engineering Aviation Certificate from the University of Southern California, and a NTSB Aviation Accident Investigation School Certificate.

During his life Dave was also a member of Civil Air Patrol, retiring from there as well after 20 or more years of service. He held numerous roles in the North Carolina, Maryland, and Texas Wings including Senior Member in Charge of Cadets, Group Commander, Flight Operations, SAR Mission Coordinator, SAR Mission Pilot, and numerous other roles.

His most recent retirement was from US Customs and Border Protection as the Aviation Training Officer at the Houston Air Unit in Conroe, Texas.

His family and friends will remember all of the wonderful times they shared with him, the many antics he participated in, and the few stories he told of his life during Vietnam and will be greatly missed by all.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 3:00pm at The Woodlands Bible Church (3333 South Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, Texas, 77381). Visitation will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, at the church, prior to the service.