Dr. Bruce Kevin Pickens

Dr. Bruce Kevin Pickens “Pic” died unexpectedly June 13, 2022. He was 65 years old. Bruce was born on September 5, 1956, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Bruce graduated from South Vigo High School and was a member of the only football team with an undefeated season in the school’s history. Bruce graduated from Wabash College in 1978. While at Wabash, Bruce was a four-year member of the Little Giant’s football team culminating in his team’s participation in the 1977 NCAA Division III National Football championship Stagg Bowl. Additionally, Bruce was an active officer in his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. After graduation, Bruce obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California College of Professional Psychology and completed his internship at Tulane University.

Bruce’s professional career was dedicated to serving marginalized individuals that lacked critical family and societal support. During his tenure as Director of Behavioral Health Services for Norman Regional Hospital, he was one of the lead psychologists supporting the Oklahoma City bombing victims and their families. After Oklahoma, Bruce moved to Cincinnati where he served as Director of programs and treatment facilities supporting the mental health needs of youth offered through Talbert House, New Path Child & Family Solutions (Formerly known as St Joseph Orphanage) and Rite of Passage (Hillcrest Academy).

Bruce is survived by his wife, Sandi Nunan Pickens (née Frajter). He is also survived by his children and grandchild–son Kyle Pickens of Woodbridge, VA; son Zachary (Caitlin) Pickens and grandson Parker Pickens of Portland, OR; son Christopher Pickens of Cincinnati, OH; and stepchildren - Amanda Nunan of Cincinnati, OH; Tim Nunan of Cincinnati, OH; and Megan Nunan of Chicago, IL. Bruce is survived by his brothers, sisters, and sisters-in-law -- Dale (Jamie) Pickens of Nashville, TN; Gary (Mary) Pickens of Princeton, IN; Teresa Pickens of Terre Haute, IN; and Coral Pickens of Terre Haute, IN. He was preceded in death by his brother Brian (Donna) Pickens of Terre Haute, IN. Bruce is also survived by many nieces and nephews – Jodie Pickens, Chad Pickens, Emily Pickens (Matthew Thornton), Megan Pickens (John Laroe), Jason (Katricia) Helton, Stephanie (Matthew) DeBoer, Will (Maristel) Mannsz, Danny Squire, Allyssa Guglielmo, Kyrie Guglielmo, Alexandra (Dan) Hildebrandt.

Bruce loved life and loved to help others. Not only was Bruce dedicated to family and work, but he also loved sports and community involvement. He was an avid football and baseball fan, and his passion to support children extended to his love of coaching. He served as a long-time coach for the Lakota Tomahawks Youth Football Organization, several select baseball teams and local youth basketball teams.

Celebration of Bruce's Life are as follows: Visitation will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 3400 Michigan Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 11 AM until time of Service at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Bruce’s memory may be directed to Wabash College, 301 W Wabash Avenue Crawfordsville, Indiana 47993 or 877-743-4545 or https://www.wabash.edu/give