Larry Burl Pickerill

Larry Burl Pickerill, 78, of Butler, Illinois, passed away as the sun began to rise, on Monday, May 5, 2025, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Services for Larry will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Irving Methodist Church in Irving, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Sue Bryce officiating. Burial will take place at Montgomery Cemetery.

Born July 9, 1946, in Hillsboro, Illinois, Larry was the son of Burl and Emma P. (Rucker) Pickerill. A lifelong resident of Butler, Larry lived in the same home he grew up in—deeply rooted in the land and community he loved. As a young boy Larry attended Butler School, where he played basketball, and later graduated from Hillsboro High School. He dedicated his life to farming, working the land for himself, others, and neighbors along the way. Farming wasn’t just a job to Larry—it was who he was.

The only thing Larry loved as much as farming was his faith. A dedicated member of the Irving Methodist Church, he served on every committee and never hesitated to lend his time and energy. He also volunteered regularly at the local food bank, quietly giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

Larry had a steady rhythm to his days—tuning in to RFD-TV and listening to WSMI radio faithfully. He was a man of strong habits and old-school values. He believed everything had its place, resisted change with a stubborn charm, and worried about things big and small, often out of care for those around him. Larry loved cookies and ice cream which he could enjoy multiple times a day, when the mood struck. He was generous, goofy, and full of heart. Whether it was keeping a close eye on the neighborhood—he was the best kind of watchful neighbor—or helping mow a yard, Larry was always present and willing to help, sometimes even to a fault.

He loved animals and tractors of all kinds, and he had a special place in his heart for old Dodge trucks.

Preceding Larry are his parents, Burl and Emma, and sister, Evelyn Glosecki.

Survived by him are his nephew, Dave (Ann) Glosecki of Columbia, Illinois; great nephews Matt (Kara) Glosecki and family of Ballwin, Missouri, Michael (Victoria) Glosecki of St. Charles, Missouri; dearest friends Mark (Amanda) Cobetto and family of Butler, Illinois, and Ron (Brenda) Cobetto of Butler, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Irving Methodist Church, P.O. Box 90, Irving, Illinois 62051.

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