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Rev. Richard L. Pickering

December 31, 1946 - March 16, 2026
Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Sunday 5/31, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Memorial Service
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Sunday 5/31, 3:30 pm

The Reverend Mr. Richard L. Pickering, 79, of Indianapolis, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Community North Heart Hospital in Indianapolis. Rick was born on December 31, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio to William F. and Betty J. (Mennen) Pickering. 

Rick graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1964. He graduated from Purdue University in 1969. Rick went on to attend Drew University in Madison, New Jersey and later completed his seminary studies at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 1977. 

 

On August 13, 1977, Rick married Sally L. Eldridge in Lafayette, Indiana. She survives. 

Rick was an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church. He served churches in Romney, Buck Creek, Kokomo, Rolling Prairie, Monroeville. In 1990 he was appointed to serve as the Director of the Wesley Foundation at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. 

Rick’s passion was working with college students. He developed the Summer Companies mission program where students worked in at-risk neighborhoods across the country and in cities across Europe with children in Belfast, Ireland, Tbilisi, Georgia, and Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

 

Surviving along with his wife is his daughter Kathryn L. (Michael) Stephenson and step-grandaughter Alyssa Stephenson. His beloved cat Salem also survives. 

Also surviving are his siblings, Mark (Pamela) Pickering of Cleveland, Tennessee, Barbara (John) Benefiel of Lafayette, Indiana and Bruce (Lori) of Columbus, North Carolina. 

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ronald E. Pickering. 

 

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette, Indiana. The Rev. Dr. Kirk VanGilder officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to Mylodysplastic Syndrome (https://www.mds-foundation.org/)  in Rick’s memory and/or to the IndyHumane Society (https://indyhumane.org/about/ways-to-give/main/?sc=2511HPEG1&utm_source=fy25&utm_medium=hpbutton&utm_campaign=rkd-fy25-hpbutton)

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.
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Steve Anderson
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Louie Stephen Cain
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Rick Ryan
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Missy Myers Light a candle
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Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Map
Sunday 5/31, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Memorial Service
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Map
Sunday 5/31, 3:30 pm

The Reverend Mr. Richard L. Pickering, 79, of Indianapolis, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Community North Heart Hospital in Indianapolis. Rick was born on December 31, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio to William F. and Betty J. (Mennen) Pickering.  Rick graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1964. He graduated from Purdue UniversityContinue Reading

See Condolences
Twylia Barrett left a message on June 3, 2026:
Barb, my deepest sympathy .. our siblings are very special people in ours lives.. and from his obituary he was a very special man .. peace be with you are family ,, Twylia Barrett
Steve Anderson left a message on April 7, 2026:
In memory of Rev. Richard L. Pickering, Steve Anderson lit a candle
Abby Hall Rockhill left a message on March 27, 2026:
Sally and Family, I am so deeply sorry to hear about Rick. He was a sweet, good man who loved life, loved Jesus, loved his family and everyone around him. His smile was infectious and he will be missed. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.... Abby
Louie Stephen Cain left a message on March 23, 2026:
Rick was one the main leaders of InService, a spring break mission trip program that lasted 7 years including 5 campus ministries taking students (usually 50 to 75 each year) into service to Sea Islands, to New Orleans, to Cherokee, NC, to Juarez, Mexico and El Paso. Always dedicated to multicultural learning, to excellence in higher education, and to Christlike service of the Kingdom/Kindom of God, Rick is an awesome friend, campus minister, and dedicated pastor. His Summer Companies program and his passion for putting students in servanthood locations, across the nation and the world exemplified the UMC commitment to "making world-changing disciples." Rick, may you rest in power and hear the well-deserved "well done, good and faithful servant" from our Lord whose church and youth you served so faithfully. See you soon , dear friend!
Suzi Moeschl left a message on March 22, 2026:
Oh, Sally and Family, I am so sorry to learn of Rick's passing. He was such a lovely person and so supportive when Denny died. I am so very sorry for your loss and for the loss all who knew him feel.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Rick Ryan left a message on March 22, 2026:
In memory of Rev. Richard L. Pickering, Rick Ryan lit a candle
Kevin Casey left a message on March 22, 2026:
Rick was a soloist with the Purdue University Varsity Glee Club during his time at Purdue... He had a beautiful light tenor voice used in "Up A Lazy River" among others. When Rick was a Junior at Purdue he played the role of The Boy is a production of THE FANTASTICKS and delighted audiences with his portrayal.
Missy Myers left a message on March 21, 2026:
Rick was an amazing man. His ministry was real life and soul touching. Growing up in the Monroeville Methodist church my family became so close with the Pickering family. Rick was there for both my parents at the end of their life as both my parents request. They adored Rick! He was loved and respected by so many. RIP my friend!
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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