Robert Allen Pickrel

Robert Allen Pickrel passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Carlsbad, California. He was 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 both an idyllic small town lifestyle and the additional experience of getting to spend a whole lot of time on his grandparent’s farms. He gained an early work ethic, getting his first job at age 10, delivering papers 7 days a week, rain or snow. He also worked a variety of odd jobs including shoveling snow and mowing lawns. The extra money was always appreciated back in those depression times. In later years to help out on the farm, he delivered hay in a horse drawn wagon, 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, before he could complete his degree, 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 very humble about. After returning stateside, Bob completed his service at an army hospital at Fort Lewis, Wa.

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, first at Rosemead, Ca. and later, in the San Diego area, following with promotions to both district manager and bank vice president. Bob’s most rewarding time with the bank began after being transferred to manage the Oceanside Bank of America. After Bob and Darlene moved 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.

Bob was a lifelong sports enthusiast, played many sports in high school that he continued into his adult years. He would always join 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 until nearly 80 years old. Golf also became a cherished activity for him and Darlene in their early years. Later he played with many business associates who later became lifelong friends, whom he played with weekly, well into his 80’s. He also loved watching all sports—whether live or on TV—and took immense pride in attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events.

He also had a passion for movies and books. Being an all American boy, he loved anything about American history, reading books and watching films on wars and westerns, preferably one’s starring his hero John Wayne. But his biggest “hobby” was people, meeting new people, 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. But Hawaii always their favorite place, traveling there multiple times, spending time close to the locals, exploring the islands and learning the culture.

Faith was an integral part of Bob’s life. When he and Darlene married, they joined the Presbyterian Church and became active members of Oceanside Presbyterian Church upon moving to Oceanside. Bob served on the church board for many years and contributed in various roles such as deacon and usher well into his later years.

Above all else, Bob cherished his family deeply. 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 he knew. Known for his sincere handshakes, warm bear hugs and infectious laughter, he had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special. He leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by those who’ve known him. His zest for life 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 you 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, 2026, 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