Bernard L. "Bennie" Pickens, 91, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday, morning, December 17, 2020 at Winfield Senior Living.

Born May 30, 1929 in Grenola, Kansas, he was the son of Samuel Lewis and Ruby Florence (Weaver) Pickens. He was raised and received his early education in Cambridge, Kansas, before moving with his family to Winfield, where he finished his education. After high school, he joined the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bennie moved to Wichita, Kansas.

He was united in marriage to Jacqueline L. "Jackie" Snell on March 20, 1959 in Winfield. The couple made their first home in Wichita where Bennie worked for Cessna Aircraft. In August of 1967, the family moved to Winfield and Bennie continued working for Cessna for over 40 years, retiring in 1990. He enjoyed going on fishing trips in Minnesota with his family. Bennie and Jackie also enjoyed traveling the country doing genealogy research. Jackie preceded him in death on May 13, 2014. Recently, Bennie enjoyed meeting friends for coffee and breakfast.

His family includes his daughter Bernita Issinghoff of Wichita; his son Barry Pickens of Overland Park; his grandchildren, Jaci Caceres, Jessica Mendoza, Kristal Issinghoff, and Jaclynn Pickens; his great-grandchildren, Diego and Santi Caceres; Tyler and Malaki Bryan; Desi Mendoza; and Blake Issinghoff; and a close friend Jenny Powell.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bennie was preceded in death by a daughter Michelle "Shelley" Mendoza, a granddaughter Jocelyn Mendoza, a brother Samuel Lewis "Louie" Pickens, and two sisters, Lois Mead and Phyllis Hudson.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Highland Cemetery in Winfield under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.

A memorial has been established in Bennie's name for the Special Olympics of Kansas. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.