Ross Kenneth Pickens was born to the late John J. and Gladys (Anderson) Pickens on May 20, 1928 in Davis, OK. And passed away at his home on Saturday, June 1, 2019 having reached the age of 91 years, 11 days.

Ross attended Thomas schools graduating in 1947. While in school, he was active in football, basketball, ran track, and played baseball.  His senior year he was class president.  After high-school, Ross attended what is now known as Southwestern Oklahoma State University.  In 1950, he joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska.

Upon returning to Thomas, Ross decided to go into business with his lifelong friend, Jim Ames and thus began the 50+ years of Ames and Pickens Oil Company. On September 2, 1954, Ross married Henrietta Jacqulin (Richardson) Pickens at the First Baptist Church in Thomas.  They embarked on a remarkable life journey that lasted 63 years until her passing in 2017.

Ross was an active member of the Thomas First Baptist Church where he served as a past trustee and a faithful Sunday school teacher. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion, where he served for over 66 years.  In his spare time, Ross enjoyed taking drives and visiting with his boys, having coffee with his buddies, talking with his neighbors, and watching all kinds of sporting events.  Above all else, Ross loved to be "Papa" to his grandsons, great-grandsons, and the many other children that passed through their loving home over the years.

Ross is survived by his two sons, Larry Ross and wife, Ruth of Thomas, OK and John Warren also of Thomas, Ok. He is also survived by three grandsons, John Ross Pickens and wife, Kelsey of Sayre, OK, Cole Pickens of Leedey, OK, and Kelly Pickens of Thomas, OK and two great-grandsons, Jagger and Jax.  His sister-in-law, Gail Wood, of Jackson, MS; brother-in-law, Donald Richardson and wife Glenda of Wichita, KS; and sister-in-law Harolene Pickens of Derby, KS, as well as nine nieces and nephews.

Ross is preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta, parents John J. and Gladys Pickens; in laws, Theo and Elverda Richardson; a sister Helen Alexander Bilbrey, a brother, Bill Pickens, and a brother-in-law, J. M. Wood.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Thomas, Ok.