Alan Dale Pickens

Alan Dale Pickens, 77, of Normal, passed away on November 24, 2024, surrounded by family. Born on June 19, 1947, in Morrison, IL, to Clair and Arvilla (Montgomery) Pickens. Alan married Vicky Snyder in Streator, IL on June 21, 1970, she survives.

He is also survived by his son, Brad (Sheila) Pickens of Paxton, IL; his daughter, Jamie (Aaron) Curtis of Bloomington, IL; and his grandchildren, Sydney Pickens, Natalie Curtis, Justin Curtis, and Taylor Curtis. He is also survived by his brother, Keith (Angie) Pickens of Dothan, AL, and several nephews and a niece.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Arvilla Pickens, and his beloved grandson, Owen Gregory Curtis.

Alan grew up in Morrison, IL and received his education in local schools. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Agriculture Education from Illinois State University in 1969 and his Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education from the University of Illinois in 1978.

An educator and mentor, Alan dedicated much of his life to teaching and working with young people. He began his career as a Vocational Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Thomson High School, where he served from 1969 to 1976. He continued his work at Erie High School from 1976 to 1988. Alan then transitioned into the role of Director of Sales Administration with Agri-King, where he worked until his retirement in 2013.

Throughout his life, Alan was actively involved in his church and local organizations. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Normal, IL and held memberships in several groups, including the Vo-Ag Teachers Association, the Fulton IL Recreation Board, and the ARC in Normal, IL. He also enjoyed coaching Little League and being involved in his community in many ways.

Alan had a wide range of hobbies and interests. He was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Reds, and he never missed a chance to cheer on the Illinois State University Redbirds, attending homecoming and tailgating events. Alan was also a member of the ISU Half Century Club.

In his free time, he loved woodworking, reading, and immersing himself in Civil War history. He enjoyed playing Bridge and was a frequent traveler, particularly to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, and South Haven, Michigan.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Normal. A lunch will follow the service. Burial will take place at East Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Bloomington, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Owen Gregory Curtis Fund for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Louis Children’s Hospital (donations can be made online at stlouischildrens.org/give), First United Methodist Church, or an organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.