David L. Pickrel

David Lee Pickrel, 57, of Galesburg, Illinois, died in the early hours of March 12, 2025, at home after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Dave was born August 6, 1967, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Richard Leland and Karenlee (Williamson) Pickrel. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1985. He went on to work most of his career in the auto parts industry and spent the last five years working in custodial services at Carl Sandburg College.

Dave married Pamela J. (Sherwood) Best on September 4, 2010, in Galesburg. Dave is survived by his wife Pam of Galesburg; his mother, Karenlee Pickrel of Galesburg; and two sisters, Jodi (Mark) Stinson of Bettendorf, Iowa and Marsha Stafford of Converse, Texas. Dave is also survived by three step-sons, Peter (Natalie) Ingarra of Wheaton, Illinois, Andrew Ingarra of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Tony Ingarra of Rockton, Illinois; three grandchildren, George Ingarra, James Ingarra, and Lorenzo Ingarra; two aunts, Deanna (Eli) Calkins of Wataga, Illinois and Marilyn Williamson of Galesburg; one sister-in-law, Melissa (Pierre) Brondeau of New Hope, Pennsylvania; and one brother-in-law, Bill (Janis) Sherwood of Vista, California. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Richard; a nephew, Sawyer Sherwood; his father-in-law, Ben Sherwood; and his mother-in-law, Joan Carlson.

Dave was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and was a longtime original member of the Knights Motorcycle Riding Club in Abingdon, Illinois. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and being with his English Bulldogs.

Cremation has been accorded. Private family graveside services will be at Sparta Twp. Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois. A celebration of life will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Corral, 1685 Grand Ave., Galesburg, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to the Knights Motorcycle Riding Club to support the Honor Flight, 307 W. Monmouth St., Abingdon, IL 61410. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.