COLBY — Max “Pick” E. Pickerill, 86, of Colby died on Monday, May 9, 2011, at Logan County Manor, Oakley.

He was born on June 26, 1925, to Earl R. and Inez I. Pickerill in Parsons. He attended school in Parsons.

He served in the U.S. Navy.

He graduated from Parsons Community College, received a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, a master’s from Fort Hays State University and a PhD. from Louisiana State University.

He was an instructor at Colby Community College for 36 years.

Survivors include his children, Cynthia England of Colby, David Pickerill of Borger, Texas, Jon Pickerill of Wichita, Natalie Gillum of Strong City, Eddie Skaggs of Emporia and Beverly Grable of Colby; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Don Pickerill of LaCresenta, Calif., Jerry Pickerill of Cleveland, Okla., and Paul Pickerill of Horton; and three sisters, Judy French of Eureka Springs, Ark., Janette McKisick of Catoosa, Okla., and Delores Heilman of Wichita.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sally and Grace; a grandson, Sage Skaggs; and a great-grandson, Grayson Harder.

The service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Colby United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Harrison Chapel, Colby, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be left at any Colby bank or Harrison’s Chapel.