Robert D Pickett

Robert D. Pickett, M.D., 96, Indianapolis, passed peacefully on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. He was born in Bakers Corner, Indiana on December 8, 1921, to Russell and Lena Pickett. Bob graduated from Sheridan High School in 1939 and received a degree in Internal Medicine from Indiana University in 1944. Bob met his loving wife, Genevieve Newkirk of Medora, Indiana, at Methodist Hospital where she worked as a nurse. They married November 24, 1943. The couple had two children. Dr. Pickett practiced medicine as a Board-Certified internist and gastroenterologist for 49 years. During WWII, while attending medical school, Bob served in the Army. In 1953, during the Korean War, he served two years in the Air Force at Tachikawa, Japan, as a medical consultant and physician. In 1962, he became a Medical Missionary and spent time in Africa and traveled to many countries as a medical consultant. In 1963, he spent three months at Kapanga in Congo, Africa, as a physician and surgeon at the Methodist Mission Hospital. Bob was active in a variety of medical groups including the Marion County Medical Society and the Levey Medical Memorial Foundation. He also served on the Board of Directors of Crossroads Rehabilitation Center for twenty years and as its President for two years. Dr. Pickett served as medical director at The Forum at the Crossing for ten years and was also director of Alliance Home Health Care. Dr. Pickett taught at Methodist Hospital, 1948 – 1978. He helped organize the House Staff Training Program there. He also taught medicine at IU Medical School for 25 years. Bob also owned and operated farms in Putnam and Montgomery Counties, Indiana. He loved escaping to the farm for the simple pleasures of rural life and enjoyed sharing the beauty of nature with his children and grandchildren. Occasionally he taught gardening to inner-city children of Indianapolis and the profits made were donated to St. Vincent Hospital. Other interests included family, travel and antiques. He received the Woodland Conservationist Award, and the Charles Deam Forestry Stewardship Award in 2008. He was an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis. In addition to his brother and sisters, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Genny and granddaughter, Laura Parrish. He is survived by two children, Stephen D. Pickett (Kimberlin K.) of Indianapolis and Nancy A. Pickett of Indianapolis. Surviving grandchildren include: Christopher D. Pickett (Brenda) of Lawrence, Indiana, Tyler P. Lowman of San Diego, Ian M. Bushong of Los Angeles, and Justin M. Burger of San Diego; as well as six great grandchildren, Trent and Sydney Schlafer, Elizabeth and Samuel Pickett, Brooke Lowman, Chase Lowman; one great-great grandchild, Emerson Jensen. Visitation is on Thursday, November 8 from 11:00am to 1:00 pm, in the parlor at St Luke’s United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Robertson’s Chapel, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260. A private entombment will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery. Please visit www.leppertmortuary.com to sign the guest book; leave a personal message; or make a memorial contribution to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church or other charity. The family of Dr. Bob extend their thanks to Dr. Karen Shirrell, the nurses, therapists, and staff at The Forum Health Care Center, as well as to the nurses, therapists, and staff from Paradigm Health, and Rev. Kevin Davis for their loving care and support.