Sylvester Edward "Ed" Pickens

Sylvester Edward "Ed" Pickens, 84, passed away at Frederick Heath Hospital on Thursday, March 30, 2023.  He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Judy Pickens.  Born in Wheeling, WV, on November 2, 1938, he was the son of Willard and Alice Pickens.

Known as "Ed" to his friends and family, he was a 1957 graduate of Wheeling High School and graduated from West Liberty State College.  In his younger days, he was an Eagle Scout.  Mr. Pickens was a member of various Masonic organizations, and was a Past Master of Bates Lodge, Wheeling Knights Commandery No. 1, and a member of the Osiris Shrine, all in Wheeling, WV.  He served in the United States Air Force in California.  Ed enjoyed playing golf, reading and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by three children: Edward Keith Pickens (Christine) of Hartland, WI, Mark Andrew Pickens (Jennifer) of Adamstown, MD and Michele Lynn Pickens of Frederick, MD; six wonderful grandchildren that he loved dearly: Anthony Pickens of Frederick, MD, Matthew Pickens and husband Erik Balasch of Knoxville, TN, Timothy Pickens of Oconomowoc, WI,  Elizabeth Mayberry and husband Joshua Mayberry of Coronado, CA, David Pickens and fiancé Courtney Patterson of Frederick, MD as well as Caitlin Pickens and Matthew Wax of Leesburg, Virginia.  He was a great grandfather of three: Cole, Bryce, and Gage Pickens of Wisconsin; Ed leaves behind his brothers, Ronald Pickens of Martins Ferry, OH and Dennis Pickens (Kelly) of Wheeling, WV, brother-in-law Richard Smith of Ephrata, PA and a sister-in-law Jackie Wren of Wheeling, WV.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded death by his parents and brother, Willard Ray Pickens of Folansbee, WV.

A private family burial will be held in Parkview Memorial Garden, Wheeling, WV at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frederick Hospice and/or Trinity United Methodist Church, Frederick, MD.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.