PICKETT, William Joe "Bill - b. November 27, 1936 - d. June 14, 2025

[patyrn]

We celebrate the life of William Joe "Bill" Pickett, also known as Pops, Gramps, Grandpa, and Papa Pickett. Bill passed away peacefully at his home in rural Longton, Kansas on June 15, 2025.  Born to William and Elise Pickett in Ponca City, Oklahoma on November 27, 1936, Bill moved to rural Longton in 1953 with his family due to flooding at their previous residence.  His father decided it was best to settle on higher ground where he would no longer need to milk the cows in knee-deep water or relocate furniture to the attic for safety.

Bill graduated from Longton High School in 1955 and briefly attended college before deciding to pursue a career in farming and ranching.  He met LaDonna Sue Williams at the Helms Club in Havana, Kansas and instantly knew she was the one for him.  Despite facing her eleven siblings, their connection flourished through shared activities such as dancing, horseback riding, and buffalo rodeos.

Bill and LaDonna were united in marriage at the Longton Baptist Church on December 27, 1963.  Their life on the farm gained new dimensions with the arrival of their three children, JoElla Sue, Gregory Allen, and Melissa Ann.  Bill dedicated many years to farming, milking cows, raising pigs, horseback riding, camping, and fishing with his family.  He also established a crop insurance business and was an active church member.  In their later years, Bill and LaDonna enjoyed traveling, but spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought Bill the most joy.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Jody (Kevin) Proctor, granddaughter Montana (Cameron) Lipich; son Greg (Amanda) Pickett, grandson Colter (Maddi) Pickett; great-granddaughter Cassidy and great-grandson, Joseph Pickett, grandsons Clancy and Emmett Pickett; daughter Missy (Gary) Beougher, granddaughter Heather (Brace) Osburn, great-granddaughters, Amelia and Wren Osburn, and granddaughter Bridget (Kolby) Hugo.  He is also remembered fondly by his friends, church family, and self-adopted grandchildren who lovingly called him Grandpa.
Bill was welcomed at the gates of heaven by his Lord and Savior, his parents William and Elise Pickett; his brother, Richard Pickett, and is now walking hand in hand with his beloved wife, LaDonna Pickett.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join in a celebration of Bill's life at the Longton Baptist Church on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.  Bill will lie in state at the church one hour before services begin with graveside services to follow at the Longton Cemetery.  Bill's children request any memorial contributions can be made to the Longton Youth Group which was near and dear to Bill's heart.  Donations can be left with or mailed to the funeral home. 

As we reflect on his incredible journey of this thing called life, we find comfort in knowing that Bill's spirit will continue to inspire those who carry on his legacy. May his memory be a testament to a life devoted to love, faith, and family.

Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)