Russell Wayne Pickering

Russell Wayne Pickering, 78, passed away peacefully in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, Russ left a lasting legacy of laughter, love, music, and service.

Born on May 8, 1947, in Parsons, Kansas, to Marvin and Mary Pickering, Russ carried his small-town roots and values with him through every chapter of his life. His journey began on a farm in Southeast Kansas, and then working for the family business at Red Arrow Resort on Grand Lake in Northeast Oklahoma. But his true passion was music—which led him to becoming a music major, a college opera singer, and after graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1969 Russ taught vocal music for 10 years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

However, in 1976, Russ experienced a major life change, and to start fresh, he moved with his son Chad to Wichita in December of 1976. As a single dad, a music teacher’s salary couldn’t support he and Chad, so Russ made a huge transition into the aircraft industry, where he flourished for decades.

With his signature wit, charm, and people skills, with zero industry experience, Russ secured his first job at Beechcraft by promising to sing for the employment office staff if they helped him land an interview. They did, and he kept his word. A year later, he moved to Boeing, and within 5 years, was promoted into management. During his 20 years at Boeing, he excelled at Program Planning and Control and among his proudest roles were PP&C Manager for Air Force One, Suggestion Program, and Mailroom at Boeing Wichita, where he became known as a “fixer.” They could put him in charge of a department struggling with low morale and high turnover and truly turn things around. After retiring early at 55, he continued to serve others as a substitute teacher in Rose Hill, KS at the High school level until his first granddaughter was born. He was thrilled that the students referred to him as Mr. “P,” and loved listening to their dreams and aspirations. He served on the Rose Hill Board of Education for five years. To support his daughter Brandy as she worked outside the home, he left teaching to serve as the daily caregiver for his granddaughter Hallie and Ella until Hallie was 4 and Ella was 18 months old.

He adored being “Papa” and spent countless hours making memories with his grandchildren—especially Hallie and Ella, whom he watched during the week. Whether regularly sneaking Hallie to Golden Corral (until a waitress blew his cover!) or teaching them his ways with a smile, loving words and a story, Papa’s influence runs deep in their hearts.

Russ’s deepest passions were his family, music, time at Grand Lake, kids and his faith. He poured his energy into Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where he founded and led the Guest Services ministry and became the beloved "South Door Greeter” where his infectious joy and warm presence were a Sunday morning staple.

Russ was known for his cheerful voice, his love of fried chicken, loyalty, punctuality (ALWAYS 30 minutes early), and his spontaneous singing. He made strangers feel like friends, visited the sick, told legendary stories (sometimes more than once, five or ten times), and made jokes in even the toughest moments. He was never happier than when he was “complaining” about making dinner for 25 at Thanksgiving, or Christmas making a complaint or two and then proclaiming, “luckily I’m not one to complain,” followed by a smile. If you could ask him today how he would most often reply “I’ve never had it so good,” or “to be any better I’d have to be twins.” When asked in the hospital if he was allergic to anything, he’d reply “Only bad coffee” and to family, he would often say “I love you. Don’t you forget it.”

Russ is survived by his loving wife Vickie; children Chad (Shauna), Brandy (Joel), and Casey (Mandi); grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Jordan, Jared Pickering, Hallie, Ella, Amelia Ybarra, and Sawyer Pickering; great-granddaughter Sabrina Pickering; and his dear sister-in-laws Rita Pickering and Cindy Sherwin. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and many loved ones.

A Celebration of Life

• Visitation: 4:30 – 6:30 pm Friday, June 6, Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, KS 67037

• Funeral: 9:30 am Saturday, June 7, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N Webb Rd, Wichita, KS 67206 (with livestream available). For those attending in person, in honor of Russ, please enter via the South Door entrance of Eastminster (He would have LOVED that!)

• Graveside: Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206

• Lunch Reception: Hope Community Church, 1831 E 21st St, Andover, KS 67002

Russ especially loved children and desired that any end-of-his-life memorial generosity be directed to making a lasting difference in the lives of Children. So in lieu of flowers, making a contribution to “Bullfrogs and Butterflies” Christian Preschool at Hope Community Church in Andover Kansas would thrill him and honor his wish to make a positive impact on the next generation. To make memorial contributions, please go to: https://welcome2hope.churchcenter.com/giving/to/memorial

Russ will be deeply missed by everyone who had the joy of knowing him. His booming laugh, compassionate heart, and enduring faith made the world a better, brighter place.

“All men die, but not all men truly live.” Russ truly lived. And this is not the end. His trust was in Jesus Christ—the one who predicted and pulled off His own resurrection—and now Russ is at peace in His presence and the loved ones who preceded him.

For those still walking through life’s challenges, we hold to the hope Russ cherished—a promise captured by the Apostle John:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away… I am making everything new!” — Revelation 21:1, 3–5

To watch a livestream of the funeral service, go to:

http://Eastminster.org/live