Jeffrey Vern Picht

He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on September 21, 1956, to Frederick and Shirley Picht. Popo was a truck driver for many years of his adult life before diabetes prevented him from continuing. He was an avid and award-winning fisherman with a collection of fishing gear anyone would envy over. He handcrafted most of his hooks and was always eager to teach anyone that had an interest in fishing.

Although Popo had no children of his own, he embraced the role of father and grand/great grandfather with all his heart. When he met Katherine Hilt (Momo), he was struck with love. She had ten children, but that never deterred him-he loved each one as his own, including his stepson from a previous marriage. To his family, he was a hero, always stepping in with love, support, and humor whenever needed. We all took advantage of him in one way or another as most families often do but when he needed us, we were there for him.

Popo was not only a devoted family man but also legendary coach and mentor. He guided the girls’ softball team and influenced countless young lives both on and off the field. As a grand and great grandfather, he made sure every child felt loved and special in their own way. He was famous for the massive candy stash and unique collection of marshmallow Peeps that ended up hardening as rocks, but he refused to throw them out because someone gave them to him. There was something about it the popcorn that he made that wouldn’t taste the same if you tried making it on your own. Popo’s popcorn was epic.

No one saw the day coming that we’ve dreaded from the time we heard of his illness. He was active and social just the day before but the amount of love and support that poured into that hospital room was so overwhelming it captured the attention of the hospital staff and patients. Many commented how remarkable it was to see such devotion for one man. He was not just one person; he was the foundation to our family-the concrete that held us together and the heartbeat that filled every heart with love.

Popo was preceded in death by Frederick and Shirley Picht and is survived by brother John and his wife Sheila, sister Julie and her husband Mark and sister-in-law Connie. His wife Katerine and children George, Doni, Crystal, Delana, Jessica, Bobby, Jeanie, Christopher, Jimmy and Thelma all of which blessed with them a total of 27 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way as well as Justin his stepchild and Aurelio the son chose.

A memorial will be held on October 11th at Hill Park, 2201 S. Maywood Street, Independence MO 64052