Robert Allen Pickrel
OBITUARY
Robert (Bob) Allen Pickrel passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Carlsbad, California at 95 years old. Born on April 7, 1930, in Galesburg, Illinois, Bob lived a life full of love, laughter, hard work, and dedication to his family, career, and community.
Growing up in Knoxville, Illinois, Bob enjoyed an idyllic small town lifestyle in a farming community, that gave him the experiences and work ethic he carried with him his entire life. He began working at the age of 10, delivering papers and doing odd jobs like shoveling snow and mowing lawns. The extra money was always appreciated back in those depression times. In later years he helped out on the farm, and learned to drive a tractor before being old enough to drive a car. After graduating from Knoxville High School, his family moved to California. There, he attended Pasadena City College, earning a business degree, and then began training classes for Bank of America. It was during this time that Bob met the love of his life, Darlene, in a ballroom dance class. Their love story spanned an incredible 76 years together filled with family, work, adventure, and travel.
In 1950 Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He and Darlene planned an impromptu wedding, and enjoyed a short honeymoon at Laguna Beach, before he had to report to be shipped out. Trained as a medic, he served for 20 months, including 14 months in Korea. For his heroic actions he was awarded the Silver Star, of which he was always very humble about.
Bob then resumed his career with Bank of America. Over the course of 41 years, he worked his way up from bookkeeper to several bank management positions, starting in Rosemead Ca. and later in the San Diego area, followed by promotions to both district manager and bank vice president. Bob’s most rewarding time was after being transferred to manage the Oceanside Bank of America. After moving to Oceanside, he began an important partnership with many in the Oceanside business community– helping to provide financial services to many small local businesses, and playing a pivotal role in the liaison between the business community and Camp Pendleton Marine Corp base. He served proudly on many boards of community service groups including Rotary, Oceanside Boys and Girls Club, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, and Tri City Hospital Board. And together, he and Darlene were very active in the growth of the Oceanside Museum of Art, of which they were quite proud. Along with community service, he and Darlene were always involved in serving their church. Upon moving to Oceanside, they joined the Oceanside Presbyterian Church where he served for many years on the church board and also as deacon and usher well into his later years.
Bob was a lifelong sports enthusiast, playing several high school sports and continued being active throughout his adult years. He loved joining anyone in the neighborhood who wanted to “shoot some hoops”. Living near the ocean inspired him to become a self-taught body surfer, and being an avid runner for most of his life, he maintained his morning runs several times a week up into his 80’s. Golf was another loved activity for him and he played for years first with Darlene, and later, with many business associates who later became lifelong friends. He continued this weekly, well into his 80’s. Additionally, he took great joy and immense pride cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at all their sporting events.
He had a passion for books and watching films, mainly about American history and sports. But his biggest “hobby” was people, meeting and sharing stories, and connecting others who could benefit from each other. He and Darlene, known affectionately to their friends as “Bob and Dar”, loved to travel the world together, enjoying many exciting cruises and took dozens of trips to their beloved Hawaii, always their favorite place, exploring the islands and learning the culture.
Above all else, Bob cherished his family. He is survived by his daughters Shari Kloos and Kathi Lucian and son-in-law Terry Lucian; grandchildren Nicole and Greg Mowat, Brianna and Jason Lamb, and Jesse Rothert; great-grandchildren Greyson, Brooklyn, Zoey, and Damon; and nephews Guy Pickrel and Gary Pickrel.
Bob Pickrel will be remembered as a man with a big heart and smile, who brought warmth and laughter to everyone. Known for his sincere handshakes and infectious laughter, he had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special. He leaves behind a legacy of one who had a zest for life and people. This only dimmed recently after losing his beloved Darlene just last June, and his younger brother Bud Pickrel this January. His family takes solace in knowing they are all reunited once again. May his memory be one that brings a smile to your face, and maybe a chuckle, remembering and sharing a funny story he once shared- Bob would love that!
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Oceanside Presbyterian Church, 2001 S. El Camino Real.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Oceanside Boys and Girls Club, Oceanside Museum of Art, and the American Heart Association.