Leonard T. Pickley

Leonard T. “Bud” Pickley, 88, of Elkhart died Sunday, May 1, 2011 at his home.

He was born March 22, 1923 in Chicago, Ill to Leonard B. and Marie V. (Luback) Pickley and married Cleo P. Dance on Aug. 9, 1947 in Elkhart. She survives with 2 sons, Tom (Vicky) Pickley of Decatur, Ill and James (Vicky Garrett) Pickley of Mishawaka; 2 grandchildren, Michele (Kris) Hyden and Paul (Ami) Pickley and 4 great-grandchildren, Stela Hyden, Adeline Hyden, Cole Pickley and Morgan Pickley. He was preceded in death by a step-brother, Ray Beukema.

Bud served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired from Skyline Corporation as a draftsman after 17 years. He previously was a switchman for the New York Central Railroad. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bristol, and was a loving father and grandfather. He was a lifelong Cub fan, jokester, pinochle player, golfer and artist.

Family and friends may call from 6-8 pm Friday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home at Cobblestone Crossing, Elkhart where services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday. Rev. Bob VanKempen will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery,
Bristol where the U.S. Navy and D.A.V. #19 will render military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Church or to the donor’s choice. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.