Mark Vincent Pickett

Gunnison, Utah - Mark Vincent Pickett passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017 in Gunnison. He was born July 24, 1926, a son of Theron and Martha Emma Vincent Pickett, of Gunnison, the youngest of three boys. He grew up working hard on the farm as well as having a newspaper route at age nine that continued for seven years. Mark fell in love with Naomi Watters at age 16. They married before he left for active duty in the US Army on June 14, 1944 in Centerfield, Utah. This marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple in July of 1945. Naomi died March 4, 2010. Dad (Mark) enjoyed riding horses, fishing, his family, building WW II models, painting, his Chihuahua puppies, doing yard work, serving the American Legion and Gunnison --living his 90 years in Gunnison with exception of his military service. Mark worked for Kimora Farms, Sorenson's Mobil Garage, Valley Builders and Gunnison City. Through his city work, he became acquainted with most people in town and became the authority on the inner workings of Gunnison City, including the water and sewer lines. Mark served on the City Council. He was a tireless supporter of the American Legion Post #104. He served in many positions numerous times and was named outstanding Legionnaire of the State of Utah. He was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Memorial in the Gunnison City Park. He was active in all aspects of the Memorial from design to fund raising. He loved visiting with everyone in the valley while cooking and serving the Legion breakfast on July 4th for many years. Mark was awarded the Pillar Award at Gunnison Middle School in 2010. A highlight of his life was being honored as a Veteran by riding in the 4th of July Parade in 2016. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Cary Judy, the nurses and staff at the Gunnison Valley Hospital for their kind and excellent care of our Dad and Grandpa Mark. Mark is survived by his two daughters: Vicky Lynn Pickett of Hurricane; Paula Ann and Lloyd Stevens of Ephraim; 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi; his parents, Theron and Martha; and two brothers, John Royden and Standley. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 12:00 Noon in the Gunnison LDS Stake Center, where friends may call for viewing Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Gunnison American Legion Post #104 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Gunnison City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.