Russel Dean “J.R.” Pickett, Jr., 60, of Wetmore, KS passed away Friday, March 30, 2018 at Midland Hospice House after a courageous and brave battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. J.R. was born April 2, 1957 in Holton, KS the son of Russel Dean Pickett, Sr. and Anita (Brownfield) Davis.

J.R. graduated from Jackson Heights High School in 1975. He received his Bachelors Degree at Emporia State in 1982, his Masters Degree at the University of Arkansas in 1984, and his Doctorate Degree at Northwestern State University in 1991. J.R. was a Special Education High School teacher; teaching at Wetmore High School.

He was a member of Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton and Sigma Phi Epsilon.

J.R. married Debra Lehmkuhl on April 1, 2000; they later divorced. J.R. and Debra reconnected in the fall of 2017.

Survivors include Debra Pickett of Manhattan, KS; step-son, Donovan Meek of Manhattan, KS; step-daughter, Danielle Hopkins of Lawrence, KS; a sister, Susan M. Harris of Atchison; 2 brothers, Bucke Lee Pickett of Arlington, TX and Timm Pickett of San Francisco, CA; nieces, nephews and many friends.

A Celebration of Russel’s Life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorial may be given to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.