He was born at home by a midwife in Bethany, Louisiana on 4/24/1932 toLodesa and Johnnie Pickens. He grew up on his parents’ farm where he would spend his days working the crops, tending to farm animals, squirrel hunting with his dog and hanging out with his friends. He was the only son; so, he was spoiled to the core by his sisters and mother. John attended school at the Old Boggy Church that was a school and a church,with an old baptism pool in the back. He was baptized at 12 years old and
accepted Christ in his life.
By age 15 he had become a logger hauling Puck wood to the processing plant. One day he and his friend
Stute Brown decided together they were heading south for better opportunities, and with determination, courage and will they had left.They hitched a ride with travelers and arrived in Goodrich, TX. It wasn’t
long before he was hired for 15 cents an hour at The East Texas Gas Company where he was the first black native man to be employed. He also worked at the Sawmill.
One day while traveling from work he recognized an older gentleman with three daughters in the back of his wagon broke down on side of the road. One of those ladies would soon become his wife. He certainly made a great impression on her dad and just after one date at “The Hilltop” dancing and doing donuts in his T Model Ford,he had lost track of time. When they returned her dad was waiting on the front steps for them, with shotgun in hand, it was then that he knew he had found his bride. John and Jessie married on May 27, 1950, in Goodrich, Texas in her parent’s yard surrounded by family and friends.They were married 73 years and to their union, they had 7 children, 23 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.
John and Jessie moved to Houston Texas in 1952. He worked for Roberson’s Junkyard and Allied Fencing but in 1958 he and his wife started their own business “HI-LO FENCE CO” and they successfully managed their business until their passing. They leave behind their amazing legacy of “HI-LO FENCE SERVICE” that will be carried on for generations to come.Though he loved spending quality time, birthday parties, and family gatherings, John’s favorite role was being a mentor to others, a philanthropist, parent and grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Papa, never failing to teach them knowledge about business, life, and the Lord.John had a soft spot for his furry friends, embracing each of them as a valuable family member. Sweet Thang, Conan, and Peebo the cat would spend their days sitting on the porch, begging him for treats and getting the ultimate head massage.
John was an active member of Smyrna Baptist Church, devoting his time and being committed to having a relationship with Christ. John was also a Shriner of The Travelers Rest 55 Masonic Lodge in Livingston, Texas.
John was preceded in death by his wife Jessie Mae Pickens, son Charles Edward Pickens Sr, his parents Lodesa and Johnnie Pickens, sisters Jessie Lee, Ivory Nixon, Rosie Williams, and Pearlie Mae Turner and is survived by his children Johnnie Mae McNeal Pickens, John Wayne Pickens, John Edward Pickens Jr, Janevelyn Pearl Bates, Sharon Rodriguez, Shirley AnnAmos and Kizzie Laval Pickens.
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