October 3, 1942 – November 3, 2023
John C. Pickett, Jr., 81, Lafayette, passed away on November 3, 2023. He was born on October 3, 1942, in Indianapolis. He was the oldest of eight children to “Charlie” and Joanna Pickett of Sheridan.
John was the husband of Ann J. Pickett and a loving father to Jack Pickett and his wife Lisa Arafune, Heather Perica and her husband Thomas Perica, and Luke Pickett and his wife Angela Pickett. He adored his grandchildren, JP and Ella Pickett, Carl and Edward Perica, and Allison and Charlie Pickett. John is also survived by his sister Janet Mundy of Anderson and brother-in-law David Sanders of West Lafayette.
After graduating from Sheridan High School in 1960, John enrolled at Purdue University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. He was then accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue his passion for veterinary science. While at Purdue he became an active member of the Reamers Club and was the President of Cary Quad. He earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1969. Most importantly, he met his beloved wife Ann while completing his undergraduate studies.
Following graduation, John went into private practice and became the owner of the Lafayette Veterinary Hospital, now known as VCA-Lafayette Animal Hospital. His dedicated service to his patients and the veterinary medical profession was recognized in 1993 when he was selected as a recipient of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. John also was very active in the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) and served as the IVMA President in 1988.
John enjoyed a variety of hobbies including gardening. He was a Master Gardener, showcasing his green thumb: cultivating beautiful landscapes, wildflowers, and especially tomatoes. John was also highly involved with the Boy Scouts of America and Kiwanis International, where he dedicated his time to making a positive impact in the community.
Friends and family are invited to attend memorial services for John, which will be held at First Christian Church of Lafayette on Sunday, November 19. The visitation will begin at 2 p.m. with a service following at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Purdue DVM General Scholarship Program at connect.purdue.edu/inmemoryofdrjohnpickett.
The family would like to thank the staff from Franciscan Hospice for their exceptional care.
John C. Pickett, Jr. will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to those whose lives he touched.
Condolences: tippecanoememorygardens.com