John S. Pickett
d. May 25, 2012
John S. Pickett, 89 of Billings, passed away on May 25, 2012. He was born in Powell, Wyo. to Stanley and Elizabeth Pickett. The family moved to Hysham and bought a small farm. At the age of 10, John's father was killed and the family moved to Pompey's Pillar, where he grew up and attended school in Huntley. He helped his grandpa and uncle harvest beets on Martin Weinzetl's beet farm. While he attended high school, John lived with his aunt Helen and uncle Martin.
He joined the Air Force and served in England, France and Belgium. After the war he returned to Pompey's Pillar and married Ella Oblander. They had three children, Johnny, Linda and Patsy. John worked for Archie Cochran Ford in Billings, then Conoco Refinery. Following his divorce, he transferred with Conoco Refinery to Denver. After several years, he met and married Kathryn.
It was a happy time. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, his boat and sailing, as well as trips on motorcycles and jeep, exploring the old ghost towns of Colorado and traveling to the Oregon Coast.
Two years before retirement from Conoco, he attended Community College and earned his associates degree in refrigeration. He then moved back to his "beloved Montana" where he started his business, Pickett Refrigeration and Appliance Repair. In 1991 he closed the shop and retired once more.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; grandparents; numerous aunts and uncles; and one grandchild.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathryn Pickett; children, Johnny (Claudine) Pickett, Linda (Jim) Patenaude, and Patsy (Les) Morse; stepchildren Mark (Pauline) Standifer, Clifford Standifer, and Carol Standifer; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vigil Services will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 31. Funeral Mass will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, both at St. Bernard's Parish. Rite of committal will follow the reception at Pleasantview Cemetery in Ballantine The casket will be open at church prior to both services.
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