Donald K. Strickland

DONALD K ("Donnie") STRICKLAND, son of the late Donald E and Georgia Rose King Strickland, was born on July 27, 1939, in Buffalo, MO, and departed this life December 26, 2021, in Springfield, MO, at the age of eighty-two years.
As a child, Donnie moved with his family to Lebanon, and became a 1957 graduate of Lebanon High School. He married his wife Judy on December 20, 1959, and the two were married for sixty-two years; they had two children.
Donnie's early life consisted of hard work as a meat cutter for his parents. His life abruptly changed in 1973, when Strickland's United Super was sold. Shortly thereafter, he became Branch Manager at United Savings and Loan, and he and his family relocated to Camdenton, MO. There, he frequented extracurricular activities of his children, and in the process, became a lifelong Lakers fan. Meanwhile, he enjoyed his work immensely, including many who worked for him, and the customers he served. When United was acquired in 1995, he was forced into an early retirement.
Donnie and Judy would move back to Lebanon, as they had two young grandchildren. Once again, they frequently attended school extracurricular activities, and they were also frequent companions to many places.
As the grandchildren had grown, Donnie and Judy bought a new house in Nixa. With the arrival of his great granddaughter, he was able again be called "papa". He loved having her on his lap, and the feeling was mutual, as he always shared his iPad with her.
Donnie was baptized on June 23, 2002, and became a member of the First Christian Church in Lebanon. He was honorably discharged from the National Guard, and was a Mason for over fifty years. He was an early fan of NHRA drag racing, and he attended many races in Indianapolis, IN, and Topeka, KS. Beyond drag racing, he had a passion for cars, particularly his 1948 Chevy, and was also a proud member of the Rusty Bones Car Club. He loved history and ancestry, and was an avid reader of nonfiction books. Donnie loved the outdoors and nature, and he and Judy were able to travel to Arizona, the Rockies, and Kiawah Island, SC. He loved decorating his Lebanon house with lights and blowup characters. He loved old western movies, particularly anything with John Wayne.
Donnie is survived by his wife, Judy Strickland; one son, Donald K (D.K) Jr, of Cordova, TN, and one daughter, Angie Allen of Springfield, MO; one brother, Keith Strickland (Polly) of Lebanon, MO; three sisters, Sharon Adomeit of Pepperell, MA, Dixie Bibbee (Larry) of Decatur, AL, Jan Fisk (Joe) of Springfield, MO; two grandchildren, Lauren Jackson (Matt) and Hunter Allen; one great-grandchild, Adaline Kate Jackson as well as many other relatives and friends.
Although Donnie made many friends over the years, the family wants to recognize Dean, Lynn, Charlie, Amy, Brian, and Barry.
Celebration of Life Service for Donnie will be Saturday, January 8, 2021, at 1:30 P.M., at Shadel's Colonial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Shepherd's Pack or to the First Christian Church. Donations may be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536.*
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