Ben Franklin Pickett, 89, died December 29, 2011 at his home in Springfield, MO. Ben was born Sept. 1, 1922 near Stockton, MO, and was graduated from Stockton High School. He began a career in the lumber industry in Stockton and worked as a salesman and manager for Meek Lumber in West Plains, Monett, and Osceola, AR. Desiring to return to the Ozarks, he joined Herrman Lumber Company in Springfield in 1958. He later became a buyer for all of the Herrman Lumber locations, and retired from that position in 1991. Ben served in the Army and was deployed to Saipan and Iwo Jima during World War II. While stationed in Weatherford, TX, Ben married Jeanne Flett on March 28, 1945. He was a longtime member of Grace and Wesley United Methodist churches. Ben is survived by his wife of 66 years, daughter Deborah Hanson of Villa Park, IL, son Gary F. Pickett of Springfield, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 3 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, and the funeral service will be held there on Wednesday, January 4, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Stockton, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben's honor and memory may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.