Edward Leon Strickler, 96, departed this life on Saturday, January 4, 2014 with loved ones holding him.
Edward was born September 21, 1917 at Waterloo Mill on the west side of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River to the late Thomas Jefferson Strickler and Mabel Davis Strickler.
He grew up at the family farm, Granview, which was recently designated as one of Virginia's Century Family Farms. Edward graduated from McGaheysville High School in 1935 and attended Bridgewater College. As a young man, he worked for People's Drug Store in Washington, DC. After receiving a letter from his Mother about the Merck plant locating in Elkton, Edward returned to the Valley and was hired as Merck's first lab technician.
While at Merck, he received his draft notice and joined the army in 1943. His time in the army was spent at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1946, having risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned once again to the Valley and was hired back at Merck. Edward retired in 1980, having worked for the company nearly 35 years.
Edward purchased his first farm of 96 acres for $8,000, in the early 1940's. Over the years, his farm grew and it became his second job. He was proud of his purebred Hereford cattle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Louise Strickler Wyant and Carol Jean Strickler Michael, and a brother, William Davis Strickler.
On June 21, 1952, he married Janice Marie Coverstone, who survives. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this past year. Edward is also survived by four children, whom he adored and they him; daughter, Rebecca Strickler Tate and life companion, Darla L. Miller; three sons, Edward L. Strickler, Jr. and life companion, James Schneider, Thomas David Strickler and companion, Judy Pallotta, and James Carroll Strickler and wife, Mary Hensley Strickler; his son from a previous marriage, Richard Lee Strickler and wife, Ada; five granddaughters, Megan Strickler Scott and husband, Cody, Lauren Rebecca Tate and fiancé, Marc Loomis, Kaitlyn Brooke Strickler, Chrystal Strickler, and Theresa Strickler Howdyshell and husband, Robert; two great-granddaughters, Nicole Howdyshell and Michelle Howdyshell. Also surviving are his sister, Ruth Strickler Good; brother-in-law, Maynard A. Michael; former son-in-law, Stephen C. Tate, and numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
He was a lifelong member of the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. The church was dear to his heart and he was faithful in his devotion to the church's mission and outreach. He was a life deacon and held numerous appointed offices within the church. In later years, relationships with friends and his faith community became dearer. Edward was always one who lived his life, not his years. He was often seen up until his early 90's picking up trash along the road or riding his bicycle. In his community, he was a landmark and many sought his clarity on history, family ties and wisdom on life. Edward was the subject of numerous interviews and a book was written about his farms and life. He was most noted for the history of his grandfather's mills on the Shenandoah River. He purchased the land of his birthplace in the 80's. Close to the river's edge, stands a majestic Chinquapin Oak that is recorded to be the largest of its species in the Commonwealth. The tree rejuvenated Edward as he became its loving caretaker over the years.
Pastor Wayne Wright will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm Tuesday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Mrs. Strickler will be staying at her daughter's home, Granview at 1201 Waterloo Mill Road, Elkton, during this time.
Memorial gifts may be made to Mt. Olivet Christian Church Community Need Fund, 38 Mt. Olivet Church Road, Elkton, VA 22827 or the Sentara RMH Hospice, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg,VA 22801.
~Kyger Funeral Home Obituary, January 6, 2014
Edward was born September 21, 1917 at Waterloo Mill on the west side of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River to the late Thomas Jefferson Strickler and Mabel Davis Strickler.
He grew up at the family farm, Granview, which was recently designated as one of Virginia's Century Family Farms. Edward graduated from McGaheysville High School in 1935 and attended Bridgewater College. As a young man, he worked for People's Drug Store in Washington, DC. After receiving a letter from his Mother about the Merck plant locating in Elkton, Edward returned to the Valley and was hired as Merck's first lab technician.
While at Merck, he received his draft notice and joined the army in 1943. His time in the army was spent at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1946, having risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned once again to the Valley and was hired back at Merck. Edward retired in 1980, having worked for the company nearly 35 years.
Edward purchased his first farm of 96 acres for $8,000, in the early 1940's. Over the years, his farm grew and it became his second job. He was proud of his purebred Hereford cattle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Louise Strickler Wyant and Carol Jean Strickler Michael, and a brother, William Davis Strickler.
On June 21, 1952, he married Janice Marie Coverstone, who survives. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this past year. Edward is also survived by four children, whom he adored and they him; daughter, Rebecca Strickler Tate and life companion, Darla L. Miller; three sons, Edward L. Strickler, Jr. and life companion, James Schneider, Thomas David Strickler and companion, Judy Pallotta, and James Carroll Strickler and wife, Mary Hensley Strickler; his son from a previous marriage, Richard Lee Strickler and wife, Ada; five granddaughters, Megan Strickler Scott and husband, Cody, Lauren Rebecca Tate and fiancé, Marc Loomis, Kaitlyn Brooke Strickler, Chrystal Strickler, and Theresa Strickler Howdyshell and husband, Robert; two great-granddaughters, Nicole Howdyshell and Michelle Howdyshell. Also surviving are his sister, Ruth Strickler Good; brother-in-law, Maynard A. Michael; former son-in-law, Stephen C. Tate, and numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
He was a lifelong member of the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. The church was dear to his heart and he was faithful in his devotion to the church's mission and outreach. He was a life deacon and held numerous appointed offices within the church. In later years, relationships with friends and his faith community became dearer. Edward was always one who lived his life, not his years. He was often seen up until his early 90's picking up trash along the road or riding his bicycle. In his community, he was a landmark and many sought his clarity on history, family ties and wisdom on life. Edward was the subject of numerous interviews and a book was written about his farms and life. He was most noted for the history of his grandfather's mills on the Shenandoah River. He purchased the land of his birthplace in the 80's. Close to the river's edge, stands a majestic Chinquapin Oak that is recorded to be the largest of its species in the Commonwealth. The tree rejuvenated Edward as he became its loving caretaker over the years.
Pastor Wayne Wright will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm Tuesday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Mrs. Strickler will be staying at her daughter's home, Granview at 1201 Waterloo Mill Road, Elkton, during this time.
Memorial gifts may be made to Mt. Olivet Christian Church Community Need Fund, 38 Mt. Olivet Church Road, Elkton, VA 22827 or the Sentara RMH Hospice, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg,VA 22801.
~Kyger Funeral Home Obituary, January 6, 2014
Edward Leon Strickler, 96, departed this life on Saturday, January 4, 2014 with loved ones holding him.
Edward was born September 21, 1917 at Waterloo Mill on the west side of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River to the late Thomas Jefferson Strickler and Mabel Davis Strickler.
He grew up at the family farm, Granview, which was recently designated as one of Virginia's Century Family Farms. Edward graduated from McGaheysville High School in 1935 and attended Bridgewater College. As a young man, he worked for People's Drug Store in Washington, DC. After receiving a letter from his Mother about the Merck plant locating in Elkton, Edward returned to the Valley and was hired as Merck's first lab technician.
While at Merck, he received his draft notice and joined the army in 1943. His time in the army was spent at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1946, having risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned once again to the Valley and was hired back at Merck. Edward retired in 1980, having worked for the company nearly 35 years.
Edward purchased his first farm of 96 acres for $8,000, in the early 1940's. Over the years, his farm grew and it became his second job. He was proud of his purebred Hereford cattle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Louise Strickler Wyant and Carol Jean Strickler Michael, and a brother, William Davis Strickler.
On June 21, 1952, he married Janice Marie Coverstone, who survives. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this past year. Edward is also survived by four children, whom he adored and they him; daughter, Rebecca Strickler Tate and life companion, Darla L. Miller; three sons, Edward L. Strickler, Jr. and life companion, James Schneider, Thomas David Strickler and companion, Judy Pallotta, and James Carroll Strickler and wife, Mary Hensley Strickler; his son from a previous marriage, Richard Lee Strickler and wife, Ada; five granddaughters, Megan Strickler Scott and husband, Cody, Lauren Rebecca Tate and fiancé, Marc Loomis, Kaitlyn Brooke Strickler, Chrystal Strickler, and Theresa Strickler Howdyshell and husband, Robert; two great-granddaughters, Nicole Howdyshell and Michelle Howdyshell. Also surviving are his sister, Ruth Strickler Good; brother-in-law, Maynard A. Michael; former son-in-law, Stephen C. Tate, and numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
He was a lifelong member of the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. The church was dear to his heart and he was faithful in his devotion to the church's mission and outreach. He was a life deacon and held numerous appointed offices within the church. In later years, relationships with friends and his faith community became dearer. Edward was always one who lived his life, not his years. He was often seen up until his early 90's picking up trash along the road or riding his bicycle. In his community, he was a landmark and many sought his clarity on history, family ties and wisdom on life. Edward was the subject of numerous interviews and a book was written about his farms and life. He was most noted for the history of his grandfather's mills on the Shenandoah River. He purchased the land of his birthplace in the 80's. Close to the river's edge, stands a majestic Chinquapin Oak that is recorded to be the largest of its species in the Commonwealth. The tree rejuvenated Edward as he became its loving caretaker over the years.
Pastor Wayne Wright will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm Tuesday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Mrs. Strickler will be staying at her daughter's home, Granview at 1201 Waterloo Mill Road, Elkton, during this time.
Memorial gifts may be made to Mt. Olivet Christian Church Community Need Fund, 38 Mt. Olivet Church Road, Elkton, VA 22827 or the Sentara RMH Hospice, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg,VA 22801.
~Kyger Funeral Home Obituary, January 6, 2014
Edward was born September 21, 1917 at Waterloo Mill on the west side of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River to the late Thomas Jefferson Strickler and Mabel Davis Strickler.
He grew up at the family farm, Granview, which was recently designated as one of Virginia's Century Family Farms. Edward graduated from McGaheysville High School in 1935 and attended Bridgewater College. As a young man, he worked for People's Drug Store in Washington, DC. After receiving a letter from his Mother about the Merck plant locating in Elkton, Edward returned to the Valley and was hired as Merck's first lab technician.
While at Merck, he received his draft notice and joined the army in 1943. His time in the army was spent at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1946, having risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned once again to the Valley and was hired back at Merck. Edward retired in 1980, having worked for the company nearly 35 years.
Edward purchased his first farm of 96 acres for $8,000, in the early 1940's. Over the years, his farm grew and it became his second job. He was proud of his purebred Hereford cattle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Louise Strickler Wyant and Carol Jean Strickler Michael, and a brother, William Davis Strickler.
On June 21, 1952, he married Janice Marie Coverstone, who survives. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this past year. Edward is also survived by four children, whom he adored and they him; daughter, Rebecca Strickler Tate and life companion, Darla L. Miller; three sons, Edward L. Strickler, Jr. and life companion, James Schneider, Thomas David Strickler and companion, Judy Pallotta, and James Carroll Strickler and wife, Mary Hensley Strickler; his son from a previous marriage, Richard Lee Strickler and wife, Ada; five granddaughters, Megan Strickler Scott and husband, Cody, Lauren Rebecca Tate and fiancé, Marc Loomis, Kaitlyn Brooke Strickler, Chrystal Strickler, and Theresa Strickler Howdyshell and husband, Robert; two great-granddaughters, Nicole Howdyshell and Michelle Howdyshell. Also surviving are his sister, Ruth Strickler Good; brother-in-law, Maynard A. Michael; former son-in-law, Stephen C. Tate, and numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
He was a lifelong member of the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. The church was dear to his heart and he was faithful in his devotion to the church's mission and outreach. He was a life deacon and held numerous appointed offices within the church. In later years, relationships with friends and his faith community became dearer. Edward was always one who lived his life, not his years. He was often seen up until his early 90's picking up trash along the road or riding his bicycle. In his community, he was a landmark and many sought his clarity on history, family ties and wisdom on life. Edward was the subject of numerous interviews and a book was written about his farms and life. He was most noted for the history of his grandfather's mills on the Shenandoah River. He purchased the land of his birthplace in the 80's. Close to the river's edge, stands a majestic Chinquapin Oak that is recorded to be the largest of its species in the Commonwealth. The tree rejuvenated Edward as he became its loving caretaker over the years.
Pastor Wayne Wright will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Mt. Olivet Christian Church. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm Tuesday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Mrs. Strickler will be staying at her daughter's home, Granview at 1201 Waterloo Mill Road, Elkton, during this time.
Memorial gifts may be made to Mt. Olivet Christian Church Community Need Fund, 38 Mt. Olivet Church Road, Elkton, VA 22827 or the Sentara RMH Hospice, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg,VA 22801.
~Kyger Funeral Home Obituary, January 6, 2014
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