ILION - Richard Bradley Pickens, 68, of 80 E. North St., formerly of 527 West Lake Ave., Herkimer, passed away on Monday, Oct. 30, 2006, in St. Luke's Medical Center, New Hartford. He was born April 4, 1938, in Cooperstown, son of the late Richard Anson and Elizabeth Burton Livingston Pickens. A lifelong area resident, he was a graduate of Herkimer High School class of 1957. He furthered his education, graduating from the Utica School of Commerce. For many years he worked as payroll clerk for Oneida Electronics in Yorkville. He retired in 2001. Richard had a close relationship with God and was a member of Word Christian Center, Herkimer. He was also a former member of the Herkimer Elks Lodge 1439. He will always be remembered as a soft-spoken, caring and helpful man. In his leisure time he would drive many senior citizens to do their shopping and would also deliver groceries to those who were shut in and unable to go out to shop on their own. He was a friend to many and will be truly missed. His survivors include a sister, Lois Marilyn Ford of Menands; one sister-in-law, Carol Pickens of Ludlow, Mass.; four nieces, Jean and her husband Dana Brewer of Mohawk, Mary Bishop and her companion Nick McGraw of Menands, Linda Ford and her companion Chris Reina of Mohawk, Lori and her husband John Hitchcock of Colonie; two nephews, Marvin and his wife Doreen Ford of Albany, David Pickens of Ludlow, Mass.; eight great-nephews and three great-nieces and his pride and joy, Jacob and Rebecka. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Robert Pickens, in 1992. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. Pastor Eugene J. Kipper of the Word Christian Center Church will officiate. Interment will take place in Mountain View Memorial Gardens at a later date. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends two hours prior to the funeral service (2-4 p.m.) Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Word Christian Center Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.