John Lloyd Bickell, 81, of Burlington, IA, formerly of Kirkwood IL, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord on December 11, 2020. John was born September 13, 1939 in Monmouth, IL the son of Charles Raymond and Lula V. (Phipps) Bickell.

He was raised and educated in Kirkwood IL, graduating from Kirkwood High School in 1957. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Master's in Education and earned his Bachelor's and Specialist in Education degrees from Western Illinois University. John married Ruth E. Morris in Kahoka, MO on May 2, 1959.

John was a devoted father, teacher, coach, and administrator at numerous schools in Illinois including Monmouth High School, Thomson School District, Williamsfield Schools, Stronghurst, Little York, Olney, and Albion. He was a member of Harmony Bible Church, Burlington, IA, and for years led a bible study with a group from Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg. John had a passion for studying God's word and blessed many lives while teaching adult Sunday school classes. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and following the many activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth E. Bickell of Burlington, IA; his children, Greg (Dina) Bickell of St. Augustine FL, Gay Lynn (Joel) Kellogg of Valencia CA and Jon Bickell of Galesburg; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; his siblings, Joyce (Al) Hazelwood of Tyler TX, Elva Cox of Galesburg, Norma (Roger) Nuckles and Kathy (Rick) Levine of Monmouth, Judy (Jim) Andrews of Chaparrel NM and Tim Bickell of Hawaii; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Beulah Bolender and Juanita Hart.

A Celebration of Life held at Harmony Bible Church, Burlington IA. Cremation accorded with a private family interment taking place at Monmouth Cemetery, Monmouth, IL.

McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Burlington, IA