John L. Pickering, 74, Teacher by trade, farmer at heart

He was a graduate of Avon High School and the Ohio State University and was employed as a Biology, Health and Physical Education Teacher for Clearview High School for nine years an then for Avon High School for 22 years before retiring. Hew as also self-employed as a farmer. As his family said, “He was a teacher by trade, but a farmer at heart,” and was the fourth generation of Pickering’s to farm on Pickering Hill in Avon. Mr. Pickering also served on Avon City Council, Avon Civil Services, and Avon Parks and Recreation. He was a lifelong member of the Avon United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and had various administrative duties over the years. John was also a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau and the Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. He enjoyed sports, especially fast-pitch softball and coaching his son’s summer league baseball teams. He later enjoyed watching his sons coach summer league baseball teams as well.

Mr. Pickering is survived by wife Karel (nee Smith), two sons, Jay (Lillian) of Grafton and Mark (Ann) of Carlisle Township, a daughter Karen Holowecky (Brian) of Medina, nine grandchildren, and a sister Anne Williams of North Ridgeville. He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVern and Catherine (nee Gibson) Pickering.

Friends may call at the Busch-Burmeister Family Chapel, 32000 Detroit Road, Avon from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2003. Services will be held at the Avon United Methodist Church, 37711 Detroit Road, Avon Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. John R. Butchko will officiate. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. In lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be forwarded to Avon United Methodist Church, 37711 Detroit Road, Avon, Ohio 44011 or a favorite charity of choice.