Gerald Pickett

Gerald (Jerry) Pickett, a 40 year resident of Kingwood, TX, passed away in Dallas, TX on January 3, 2018 at the age of 85 as a result of complications from illness. Jerry was born in Port Arthur, TX on April 30, 1932 to Dee H. Pickett and Ellie W. (Raiford) Pickett. He is survived by his sister, Kay Pickett of Erie, CO, his two sons, Ken Pickett of Kingwood, TX, and Randy Pickett of Dallas, TX, and his daughter in law, Emily Pickett of Dallas TX. Jerry was the proud grandfather or four grandchildren, Cody Pickett (28), of Victoria, TX, Travis Pickett (27), of Prescott AZ, and Sarah Beth (13) and Samuel (9) Pickett both of Dallas, TX. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Gloria (Schostag) Pickett, who passed October 19, 2015, as well as his parents, Dee and Ellie Pickett.

Jerry enjoyed participating in athletics, running track, and playing football at Port Neches Groves High School and college. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin University, Jerry remained a loyal supporter of his alma mater through out his lifetime. While serving the Air force during the early 1950's, Jerry played for the Keesler Air Force Base Tarpons football team and placed on the all Air Force football team after his second season. After Air Force football, he went on to serve in NATO Headquarters in Izmir, Turkey.

Jerry met his wife Gloria on a blind date in San Antonio, TX, in May 1959, and after a courtship of a few months, the couple married on December 20, 1959 in Yorktown, TX at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Jerry and Gloria originally settled in Houston, TX, where their first son Randy was born. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to San Diego, CA, where their second son, Ken, was born. Business opportunities continued to relocate the family to Wichita, KS, Beaumont, TX, and Garland, TX before finally settling in Kingwood, TX in 1976.

Jerry lived his life to the fullest. He seldom met a stranger and was a natural salesman. He channeled his love of people and salesmanship through the property and casualty insurance business, establishing an insurance agency in the Humble Kingwood area in the late 1970's and eventually retiring from Farmers Insurance Group. At Farmers, Jerry was recognized in the top 2% of 14,000 agents nationwide for his production and service.

During retirement, Jerry enjoyed playing golf and was a member of both Deerwood Club and Kingwood Country Club. Jerry and his wife Gloria also spent a great deal of time at the family farm in Dewitt County, TX. The property has been in the family since 1872. Jerry enjoyed giving his time and talents to others and was involved in numerous organizations and charities throughout his life. While serving in the Humble Rotary Club, he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Jerry was an active member at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, TX, where he was very fond of Pastors Al Doering and Doyle Theimer. A memorial service will be 2 pm Friday January 12, 2018 at Massey Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Golfer's Against Cancer and/or Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, 361-564-2900