CLARENCE "BUCK" STRICKLER

CLARENCE "BUCK" STRICKLER was born July 5, 1923 in Jones Prairie Community, about ten miles east of Ben Arnold, Texas. He died peacefully in his sleep on November 19, 2010.Buck graduated from Yoe High School in Cameron, Texas where he was a star basketball player. He married his wife, Nelcine Kleypas, in 1942 in Burlington Texas at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Buck worked as a farmer before he entered the Army in 1945. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War II and received the Philippine Independence Ribbon, Victory Ribbon and two Overseas Service Stars. Buck played baseball in USAF Baseball League for the Filipino Dodgers. He achieved the rank of Mess Sergeant and remained proud of his culinary skills for the rest of his life. After his discharge from the Army, Buck and Nelcine moved to Houston where he worked for Phoenix Dairy before taking a job at Petro Tex Chemicals, a job he kept for 35 years. After he retired, Buck and Nelcine moved to Temple for several years where he enjoyed dancing and gardening before later moving to Pearland. Buck was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Democratic Party, working election polls and hosting politicians in his home. He was involved in the OCAW union, and was a popular union leader. As a result of his union involvement, Buck met Vice President Walter Mondale and Texas Governor Ann Richards. Buck was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, a Boy Scout leader, and a coach for his children's sports teams. Buck also enjoyed hunting and being outdoors. He was an active member of his church communities: Queen of Peace in Houston, St. Luke's in Temple, and most recently St. Helen in Pearland.Buck leaves behind to cherish his memory: his wife of 68 years, Nelcine, and their four children, Donald and wife Kareen, Thomas and wife Carol, Robert and wife Kathleen, Jeanne Steed and husband Raymond; his eight grandchildren Sarah Strickler Stone and husband Jeremy, Darren Templin and wife Alexandra, Clifton Strickler, Vincent Templin and wife Sarah, Julia Strickler, Mark Strickler and wife Rita, Patrick Steed, and Thomas Steed; great grandchildren Theodore and Cayden; sister Bernice Heugatter, brother Walter Strickler and wife, two sisters in law, Agnes Kiesewetter and Shirley Kleypas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.The family will receive friends Monday, November 22, 2010, 5 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. later that evening. Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, November 23, 2010, 11 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, Texas 77581. Interment Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.