Edward D. Picton "Dave", 87, passed away May 31, 2011, in Carson City. Dave was born Sept. 2, 1923, in Los Angeles to Edward and Blanche Picton. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the U.S. Army/Air Corps which later became the U.S. Air Force. Dave served as a pilot instructor with multi-engine instrument rating for the B25 J Bomber aircraft. His lifelong interest in aviation started early when he acquired a pilot's license at the age of 16. He attended Pasadena City College where his study included a degree program in aerospace technology. Following WWII Dave worked for the Naval Weapon Research Center in China Lake, Calif. After that he was at the North American Aviation Rocketdyne division in Canoga Park, Calif., later he joined Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in Burbank, Calif., retiring in 1987. Dave enjoyed fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Shirley, who passed away in 1996. Dave remarried and lost his second wife, Ruth in 2010.
Dave is survived by two sons, Richard and Randy Picton; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday June 17, 2011, at Walton's Chapel in Carson City.
