Rev. Robert T. Pickett

Reverend Robert T. Pickett died peacefully in his sleep on February 4, 2011, at the age of 87. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood on May 21, 1955 at Holy Family Cathedral, in Tulsa. For 56 years, Father Pickett's ministry was spread throughout the Oklahoma and Tulsa Dioceses, from Ponca City to Geary, to Watonga and Alva, in Bartlesville at St. James Catholic Church, followed by St. Cecilia in Claremore and finally a 15 year stint at the Church of the Resurrection in Tulsa. Sometimes lovingly referred to as the Church of the "Insurrection," Resurrection was, in his words, "my best experience in ministry." Father Pickett's passion, like that of Resurrection, was social justice, and their union was magic. He had been inspired by the Civil Rights movement while in the seminary, and he likewise inspired his family, his parishioners and his friends by his commitment to this cause. He joined with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the march across the bridge at Selma, Alabama, and again when Dr. King graced Tulsa. He and other clergy later met with President Johnson in the White House in opposition to the war in Vietnam. To this day, clips of CBS's coverage of this historic meeting show Father Pickett directly across the table from the President. By the time he arrived at Resurrection in 1978, his and his parish's efforts were directed almost exclusively to Neighbor for Neighbor's services in support of the poor. The mission of Resurrection, to integrate spiritual life with social justice issues, had been set in place by his predecessor and dear friend, Father William Skeehan. Father Pickett, Father Skeehan and Dan Allen, the founder and director of Neighbor for Neighbor, were a formidable trio when it came time to get something done for those in need. Their friendship and collaboration was not motivated by a desire for credit or glory, but instead by a desire to live their lives as Christ teaches. Father Pickett's commitment to the poor began in his own life experiences. His father, an investment banker, was of means, and his family owned beach homes at ‘the Cape’ and lived in neighborhoods which were populated by, as he would put it, ‘Boston blue bloods’. But that changed overnight, and for good, following the Great Depression. His father moved to Oklahoma, where work could be found, and the family followed. They settled in Tulsa, and joined Christ the King Catholic Church. Father Pickett and some of his siblings attended Marquette High School, but he left high school before graduating when he learned that he could receive a $100 bonus for enlisting in the Army. He spent 2 years in combat duty in the South Pacific during World War II, including conflicts at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, New Caledonia, Green Island, Leyte and the Philippines, and was awarded the Purple Cross. He was preparing to invade Japan, when the atomic bombs were dropped, ending the war. Three of Father Pickett's siblings also joined the military during World War II. In contrast to his view of the Vietnam war, Father Pickett described his experiences in World War II as "a crusade. We were actually battling evil. It is much the same feeling I get from my vocation." Father Pickett loved golf, and played it till the end. He and his twin sister, Natalie, would climb the fence of a Country Club near their Boston home, and play until they were chased out. Natalie, he said, was the far better player. As a consequence of their illegal play, Father Pickett, as a young boy, met and caddied for Harold Jug McSpadden, a champion golfer of the 1930s. Robert and Natalie had a special bond, as twins often do. Father Pickett attributed his willingness to pursue his vocation in large part to the cajoling of Natalie. Upon his return from the war, Father Pickett shared his thoughts of the priesthood with Natalie, including that he had concerns of his worthiness and the academic challenges. Natalie secretly spoke to Father John Sullivan, later Bishop Sullivan, who strongly encouraged Father Pickett to pursue the priesthood. When he continued to have doubts, Natalie, according to Father Pickett, "read me the riot act." Thus began 56 years of a joyful and meaningful priestly life. Father Pickett’s own ministry inspired others to explore vocations, including a nephew, Reverend Thomas R. Dowdell, who will concelebrate Father Pickett’s Mass of Christian burial. His homilies were lyrical, poetic and always laced with a call to act upon the Gospel. It was not unusual for parishioners to ask him for a copy of his sermon following Mass. After retiring, Father Pickett continued to celebrate Mass at the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration's Osage Monastery, in Sand Springs. Father Pickett was preceded in death by his parents, John Stailing and Louise Hildegarde Pickett, his loving siblings and some of their spouses, Louise Pickett Cowgill and Harry, Jean Pickett Dowdell and Tom, John Pickett, and Natalie. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Pickett, as well as ten nieces and nephews and many great-nephews and great-nieces. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11 and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, each at Christ the King Catholic Church. The family has requested that donations be made to Neighbor for Neighbor, 505 E. 36th St. N., Tulsa, OK 74106.

Rev. Robert T. Pickett

January 23, 1924 - February 4, 2011