Joel Edward Pickering

Joel E. Pickering, 74, of Lenexa Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was the husband of Carolyn (Jantz) Pickering for nearly 53 years.

He was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Eugene J. Pickering and Marguarite (Gaugler) Pickering. His brothers, Roland (Erma) Pickering and Dale Pickering preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Maryann (Roger) Brown, Sister-in-law Gladys Pickering, Step brother-in-laws, Dennis (Jody) Owens and Steve (Janie) Owens and many loving nieces and nephews.

Joel and Carolyn have 3 sons, Kelly (Sundee) Pickering, Kelsey Pickering, and Quincy (Ashley) Pickering. His 6 grandchildren – Kellen, Tori, Kalvin, Henley, Chatwin, and Savoy were the delight of his heart. They dearly loved their Papa.

Joel and Carolyn moved to Olathe, Kansas upon graduation from Olivet Nazarene University in May of 1969 where they became the Youth Directors at College Church of the Nazarene. They also taught school in Gardner, Kansas. Joel taught the 6th grade and Carolyn was the music teacher. He also taught at Ridgeview Elementary in Olathe. In 1972 Joel began selling Real Estate for Ernie Miller Realtors downtown Olathe on the square. As his client based developed, he became a franchise owner of Century 21 Joel Pickering with his office across from the Johnson County Courthouse. In 1979 he moved his office to the Crossroads shopping area. He later worked for Hardin & Stockton, Caldwell Bankers, J.C. Nichols, and Reece & Nichols and Keller Williams. At the time of his passing he was working for Platinum Realtors. He had achieved the Realtor Emeritus status with the Johnson County Board of Realtors.

Joel had a personality that never knew a stranger. He truly loved helping people. He was the favorite uncle, the problem solver, the creative thinker. His purpose behind real estate was to minister to people during a sometimes stressful but always monumental life moment. There has been an outpouring of stories from so many past clients of how Joel "saved the day" or helped figure out almost hopeless situations in order to get people into the homes of their dreams. He found joy in helping others.
He grew up playing sports. He excelled in baseball and basketball in high school and his record included 3 no hitters, the record for most free throws, and an invitation to The Yankees try-out camp. His love for sports continued later in life attending and following the local sports teams. He often would watch the Royals and offer his pitching advice seconds before the coaches would make the same changes. He always believed in the Chiefs and knew that they would make it to the Super Bowl this year.
In time, a new normal will develop for our family, but the thoughts of our loving and smiling Papa will forever remain forefront in our minds.

More than anything he loved his family, he loved life, and in some of his final words he wanted us to know that he was keeping the Faith. We have lost a great man but have so many wonderful memories to carry us through until we see him again.


In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Locals By State, in support of adoptions.
Please visit www.localsbystate.com to donate, or make checks payable to the National Christian Foundation and list Locals By State Adoption Fund and/or the fund number (#3126223) and mail to National Christian Foundation Heartland, 7015 College Blvd Suite 250, Overland Park, KS 66211.

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