Melvin E. Pickering, 78, of Sapulpa, passed from this life on July 9, 2019. He was born March 12, 1941 in Sapulpa to Melvin Isaac and Maxine (Buff) Pickering. While attending high school and receiving his GED he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years as an engine man on the USS Hornet in Japan. He was a welder by trade until his retirement. He was a tribal member of the Kaw Nation. He liked fishing and loved Nascar and Dale Earnhart.

He is survived by ten children: Delery and wife, Robin, Pickering of Sapulpa; Kevin and wife, Jessica, Pickering of Beecher, IL; Stacy Pickering of Beecher, IL; Angelisa Norris and husband, David, of Sapulpa; Krystal Pickering of Tulsa; Rachel Davidson of Bristow; Matthew Pickering of Drumright; Marrisa Pickering of Locust Grove; Tyler Pickering of Cleveland, OK; Jozie Pickering of Kellyville; grandchildren: Kalyn, Mandy, Katie, Dylan, Cole, Travis, April, Cori, Josh, Amber, Derrick, Zane, Conner, Maci, Tristan, Maddlyn, Asher, Bella, Miley, Jaden and Alexa; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers: Johnny Pickering and Calvin Pickering; sisters: Sandy Arnold and Linda Marie Pickering; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Randi Pettit and Shirley Hollar; nephew, Richard Pettit.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2019 in the Traditions Funeral Chapel, 35 S. Main, Kellyville. Interment with Navy burial rites will follow in the Kaw Cemetery, Newkirk, OK.

Services are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, Kellyville, Oklahoma, 918-247-7373.