Kenneth "Kenny" E. Pickett

Kenneth E. Pickett, 86, of Lafayette, passed away at 3:48 a.m. Sunday, June 25, 2023, at IU Arnett Hospital of Lafayette.  

  Kenny was born May 2, 1937, in Glasgow, Kentucky to the late Cander E. and Wallace (Wood) Pickett.  When he was 15 years old, Kenny left Glasgow to come live by his aunts and uncles in Lafayette.  Later he would move to Colorado where he would ride the rodeo circuit and ride the range as a Cowboy.

  His marriage was to Kay Olvey on November 24, 1979, in Millington, Michigan.  

  Kenny retired from the Tippecanoe County Highway Department as a Grader Operator after 13 years.  Prior to that he worked for the City of West Lafayette for 12 years in the water department and also as a Field Supervisor for National Homes for 15 years until it’s close.

  Kenny and his wife, Kay are members of the Battle Ground First Church of God.

 Kenny always had a smile for everyone and the ability to make other people feel seen, heard, cared for and loved.  He always knew how to make others feel special.  He and his brother-in-law, Gailan, enjoyed traveling to casinos.  Kenny enjoyed pick/jam sessions with his friends playing the guitar, banjo and harmonica.  He also enjoyed fishing, collecting Hot Wheels, old westerns and was a huge Jeff Gordon NASCAR fan.  Kenny was also a, self-appointed, weather expert.  

  Surviving is his wife, Oneida “Kay” Pickett; two daughters, Vicki Rosa (Bruce) and Tammy Hale (Jason); a sister, Mary Hartman (Jimmy) and a son of the heart, Brad Talley (wife Cheryl).  Kenny treasured his family, especially his grandchildren, Brandon Pickett, Heidi Brooks, Valerie Kirkwood (Sean), Jason Putnam, Candace Putnam, Aidan Hale, Mackenna Hale and Kyra Smith.

  Preceding him in death with his parents is a brother, Roy Pickett; a son, Wallace “Wally” Pickett and two daughters, Shirley Miles and Anne Putnam.  

  Friends may call from 1 – 4p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston and also Monday, July 3, 2023, from 12 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home.  Interment to follow in the Pretty Prairie Cemetery.