Robert E. “Bob” Pickrell, longtime Elkhart, Ind., and Naples, Fla., resident, passed away at his home Tuesday, Dec. 12 after an extended illness, at the age of 80.
This obituary appeared in The Elkhart Truth.
Pickrell was born July 14, 1937, in Elkhart, to the late Alvin and Pauline Pickrell.
He left shortly after graduating with the class of 1955 to join the U.S. Marine Corp, where he honorably served from 1955 until his discharge in 1961.
Pickrell was involved in the heyday of the RV Industry. He co-owned Supply Distribution, which later became CP Products. He was also an owner of Diversified Mobile Products.
Pickrell was an avid fisherman and golfer. He helped to start the Hibiscus Golf Club, an 18-hole public golf course located in Naples, Fla. It was built in 1969, with renovations to the course and clubhouse completed in 2007.
He loved living on Simonton Lake and had one of the nicest lots and built a beautiful home there. He always acted with modesty and humility, never a show off. He and his family went out of their way to allow fellow Lakers to party or swim from their yard.
He personally funded the building of the ski jump for the Sundance Ski Club, and many ski shows were staged from his back yard.
Pickrell was a great role model for what a successful man could be.
He is survived by his wife and best friend Rose, whom he married Feb. 4, 1988; loving daughter, Kim Fenstermacher of Bristol, son Curtis C. Cooper of Naples, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his sister, Mary Miller.
His daughter, Debra Lynn Wiggins and brother Charles Pickrell preceded him in death.
In honoring Bob’s wishes, cremation was chosen. A celebration of life service will be announced in the future. He will be laid to rest in the Peace Mausoleum in Rice Cemetery.
The family kindly request memorials in his name be given to either the Wounded Warrior Project or Humane Society of Elkhart County.
Arrangements for Bob are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, where condolences may be sent to his family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.