Robert "Bob" Pickell

Robert Lynn Pickell, 80, of Tipton, Indiana, peacefully joined his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances, in heaven on March 23rd, 2025.

Born in Lenoir City, Tennessee, Bob set out on his own at the age of 17. With only his suitcase, he took a bus to Indiana for work. He worked for many years at Excello in Elwood and retired from Steel Parts in Tipton.

His love story with Frances was one for the ages—they eloped in Georgia just two months after meeting and built a life together in Elwood, Indiana, where they raised their family before settling in Tipton.

Bob had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. As a child, he spent entire days fishing along the Tennessee River near his home with his mother by his side. That love of fishing lasted his entire life, and he cherished time spent with fishing buddies, Ronny Abney, Kenny Craig, and Gary West. He also enjoyed turkey and deer hunting with dear friend Richard "Smoke" Merida and his twin sons, whom he taught to hunt and fish. They carry his love for the outdoors with them and continue to share the tradition with younger generations.

In the summer, you could find him tending his garden and enjoying strawberry ice cream on the porch swing next to Frances. A devoted bird lover, Robert raised and hand-fed hundreds of birds over the years.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Pickell; father, Robert William Pickell, and mother, Jessie Mae Parish. He is survived by his sons, Wayne Pickell of Atlanta, Don Pickell of Rossville, and Dan Pickell (wife Melissa) of Frankfort; daughter-in-law Amy Nguyen of Atlanta; grandchildren Katelynn Pickell, Kaylee Pickell, Chloe Pickell, and Peyton Pickell; sister Jean Helton; brother Mike Pickell; sisters- and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Robert’s final resting place will be in the Pickell family cemetery, Woodlawn Cemetery, in Lenoir City, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the National Audubon Society in his memory. 

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pickell family in their time of need. To leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Bob with his family, please visit his obituary page. 

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