Dennis Melvin Pickett, 86 of Tuscola, Illinois passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Tuscola First Christian Church, 100 East Church Street, Tuscola, IL. Burial with military graveside will be held at the Tuscola Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service at the church.

He was born in Anderson, Indiana on December 4, 1936 to Faye Solomon and Clarence Pickett. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gerald Pickett and is survived by his loving wife Doris Pickett (married March 20, 1964), half-brothers JR Pickett and Tim Pickett, half-sisters Clarice Pickett and Darlene Hildensperger. Also surviving are his daughters Dena Meyer (Dan), Darla Stanfield (Joe), and son Doug Pickett (Jane). He was dearly loved by his grandchildren, David Meyer (Kennedy), Philip Meyer (Hayley Cooper), Maria Crutchley (Adam), Cole Stanfield (Alyssa), Ty Stanfield (Kaitlyn Bickers), Susie Pickett, Sam Pickett, great-grandsons Grayson Crutchley and Elias Meyer along with several nieces and nephews.

Dennis graduated from Chenoa High School in 1955 later serving in the US Army from 1960-1966 and was a distinguished sharp-shooter and radio teletype operator. After active military service, he became an operator leverman for Illinois Central Railroad where he worked for approximately 30 years at the TY tower in Tuscola, retiring in 1992.

Dennis was a member of the First Christian Church of Tuscola where he volunteered in the benevolence ministry, Awana program, and the sound booth. He took delight in attending his children and grandchildren's school activities, loved photography, and even added Bluegrass gospel music to his videos. In his free time, he enjoyed researching biblical websites, working crossword puzzles, and camping with his family.

In lieu of flowers donations are welcomed to Sam's Pantry, Benevolence ministry of First Christian Church, and Lincolnland Hospice.

Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Tuscola, IL is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com