Thomas William Pickard, 90, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023. He was born May 16, 1932, to D.C. and Katie Pickard in Bristow, Oklahoma.

Tom wed Martha Ferree Pickard, June 27, 1952, and began their wonderful 70-year marriage. As a minister in the Church of Christ and Christian Church, Tom shared his love of God with others and after many years in the pulpit he retired, continuing his ministry work as a Licensed Professional Counselor until he retired in early 2000's. He held many master's degrees from Abilene Christian University, Missouri State University, and Drury University. Tom was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, and he and his wife Martha spent many of their best years at their home on Table Rock Lake where they hosted their dearest friends and family. Most of his days were spent doing the things he enjoyed: gaining knowledge with his love of reading, studying genealogy and family systems, and research of his Cherokee heritage. All of this knowledge he loved to share with anyone interested and he passed it down with such passion to his children and grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dewey Pickard and sister, Betty Pickard Lyle.

He was survived by his wife and two children, Becky Lane and her husband Tim, and Larry Pickard; grandchildren, Clint Konkle and his wife Brianne, Cory Lane, Josh McKenney and his wife Katie, Amanda Yoakum and her husband Daniel, and Isaac Pickard. As well as great-grandchildren: Landon and William Konkle, Ezekial, Zachariah, and Zara McKenney, and Wyatt and Charlie Yoakum.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.