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Eugene Stryker Obituary
DANVILLE, Va. - Eugene C. Stryker, 86, of Stratford House, 1111 Main Street, died Monday, January 16, 2006 at Danville Regional Medical Center.He was born on March 10, 1919, in Newark, N.J., a son of the late Jere V. D. Stryker and Edna Jane Cruser Stryker.
He married Eleanor Shaw Turnbull on August 24, 1943, who survives.
He graduated from Plainfield High School in New Jersey in 1937 and from Syracuse University with a Bachelor's degree in public school music in 1941. He taught music in Coeymans, N.Y., public schools from 1941-1942. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps from April 1942 to December 1945 as a bandsman and chaplain's assistant in Georgia and Washington, D.C. He was a graduate assistant and instructor of voice at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. from 1946-1949. He received his Masters in education in August 1952. He
started bands in the Danville public schools in 1949. He was band director at George Washington High School, supervisor of music in 1967 and coordinator of fine arts from 1974 until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Danville and a member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Patricia J. Stryker of Midlothian and Margaret E. Stryker of Rocky Mount, N.C.; and three sons, Samuel T. Stryker of Fayetteville, N.C., Thomas E. Stryker of Louisville, Ky. and Jere V. D. Stryker of Danville; one sister, Margery S. Preuss of Crawford, N.J.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 19 at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert Friend presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation Eugene Stryker Scholarship, 530 Main Street, Suite 302, P. O. Box 1039, Danville, VA 24543; Mt. Vernon Sunday Afternoon Music Series, 107 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541; or to a charity of your choice.
Townes Funeral Home, 215 West Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Stryker
Anne Gaskin
February 2, 2006
Patsy, Margaret, Sam, Thomas and Jere I was so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories. You and your family will be in my prayers. Love you all.
Anne Adams Gaskin
Anne Adams Gaskin
Bill Adams
February 2, 2006
I was deeply saddened when my sister called today to tell me this news. Gene was one of the nicest people I have ever met with always a kind word. What a talented man. We were neighbors in Grove Park for years. My condolences to Sam, Jere, and the rest of the family. From my experience playing music I can say the apples did not fall far from the tree in the Stryker family.
Jack Garrett
February 1, 2006
I had the pleasure of playing many dance jobs with Gene. He was a great bass player and a grand person.
I ran into him at Stratfoed House several months ago and he was still enjoying life.
He will be missed.
My best to Jerry and Thomas.
Jack Garrett
Marcia Stryker
January 29, 2006
Many thanks to all of you who have taken the time to sign in on this guest book. We were unaware of its existence and the editorials after the newspaper article until our very computer literate son, Gregory Stryker, one of two grandsons Dad lavished his love on, forwarded it to us. It is a great comfort in this time of sadness to know that others grieve the loss of such a wonderful man of God. I tease Sam that I fell in love with him and then, upon meeting his dad and seeing the way he treated Mom, fell in love with the idea of marrying my husband of thirty-five years.
Alton Turman
January 28, 2006
I remember Mr. Stryker as one of the best band teachers of his time. His son Thomas and I were pupils of Larry J. Popp. I played coronet and Thomas played upright bass. I would like to send Tom and the entire Stryker family my deepest sympathies. May God bless you all.
Alton Turman and family
Matthew Stryker
January 28, 2006
Thank you to all of you who have written such kind words about my Granddad, and please know that he was so appreciative of all the people of Danville and all over that he had met and known. Over christmas my wife and I took him out to dinner, and it was amazing to the both of us how many people he knew and knew him just in that little resturant: coming up to talk about being in the GW Band, or just to say hello. Here's hoping that theres a basement Hideout in heaven where he'll have plenty of room for all his instruments, tapes, James Bond movies, and a few Flying magazines.
As Paul says in 2 Tim 4:7, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." And Granddad did!
Gregory Stryker
January 26, 2006
As a grandchild of Gene Stryker, I know that while he has passed from this life, it is clear that his song lives on in so many people. I can only hope to be half the gentleman that my grandfather was, and though he will be missed I now know heaven has one heck of an accordion player.
David Browning
January 24, 2006
When I was a student for a couple of years at G. W. High School, Mr. Stryker was kind enough to allow me to play my trombone, even though I'm sure he knew that I coould not "sight-read" and was only a fair musician. Playing in that band was one of the happiest times of my life! And he was a super, classy guy! I'm sure he was as good a father as he was a friend to the students! My sincerest condolences to his family. David Browning - (G.W.1954-5 band)
Sylvia Bragg-Carter
January 24, 2006
So many years and memories of this man. I was expecting to see him at our 50th reunion (Class of 57). He attended all of the others. Loved by all he came in contact with. He left such a legacy. Prayers and love to his family at this time.
Cathy Salmon
January 24, 2006
The Stryker Family, So sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man. I will always remember elementary school and Mr. Stryker bringing all the instruments to our music class.
In deepest Sympathy
Cathy Salmon
Kitty Pettit
January 23, 2006
So many 'singing the praises'of Eugene Stryker..goes with the theme, doesn't it? I'm sure it warms your hearts that his good memory belongs to so many and that his impact was acknowledged by the nice newspaper article. We read;we remembered,my mom having taught 30 yrs.in city schools,and my sister and I having attended. Many games, parades,and dances come to mind. Our thoughts are with your family. Pettits from Canterbury Rd.
Mrs.R.W Pettit; Rosa '59 Kitty '62
Robyn Wentz
January 21, 2006
To the Stryker Family, I am a volunteer at the Stratford Rehab Center and I had always heard of your dad, but had never formally met him until Stratford. It is really hard to say what a fine man that he really was. He was such a joy to everyone. Always complimentary, always helpful, always gentle. The residents at Stratford always looked forward to his music, it would brighten their days. We know that he is a true blessing to heaven and we will all miss him dearly. My prayers go out to your family and also to your mom, we love her too!!
Ross Carter
January 20, 2006
My most sincere sympathy to the family. I grew up in Mount Vernon church. I am now 40 years old and a United Methodist minister; and, not a Christmas Eve goes by that I don't think of Eugene Stryker. His rich baritone voice blessed us every year as he sang "O, Holy Night." He was a fine gentleman and a joy to know. I know that he has a special place in the heavenly choir. Grace and peace to you.
Billy and Mary Malcom
January 20, 2006
Tom, I've known you are a great person,but after reading the beautiful words about your Dad I'm
sure you are a lot like him.Very sorry about your loss.You, Maggie and Family are in our prayers. Love,
Billy and Mary
Marshall Hughes
January 20, 2006
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Stryker. He used to occaisionally give band instruction during my days at Langston Jr HS and George Washington HS and despite the fact that it has been 25 years since I have lived in Danville, I still remember him fondly. He always was generous with his time and was very patient and helpful to me and all of my bandmates. He will be sorely missed.
Sandra Dick
January 19, 2006
Dear Family of Mr. Stryker-There are not many who make such a positive and lasting impression on other people's lives, especially children's lives as did Eugene Stryker. God has truly blessed you with memories to cherish. His memory will live on.
Jim Cleveland
January 19, 2006
Jere, Margaret, Mrs. Stryker, and the rest of the Stryker Family...
I'm currently in DC, visiting my brother and was deeply saddened to have learned of Mr. Stryker's death. He was an extraodinary man. My earliest memory of Mr. Stryker was when he came to Grove Park elementary(I was in second grade) and demonstrated a myriad of instuments, including wooden tone blocks(I believe that's what they're called!), and he played the Maxwell House percolating coffee pot theme!:) I never forgot that!
And, of course, he played with my Dad's big band orchestra.. it always put a smile on my face to hear them rehearse in our basement!
I wish all of you the best.. with time, the sadness that you feel will be replaced with nothing but happy memories that come naturally as a result of having such a terrific dad as Mr. Stryker. He will be be missed.
JOE FOX
January 19, 2006
MARGARET: GENE WAS OUR PRINCE! A SUPER PERSONALITY WHO NEVER SEEMED TO THINK MORE OF HIMSELF THAN NECESSARY....NOT MANY PEOPLE WHO COME OUR WAY CAN FIT THAT DISCRIPTION QUITE LIKE GENE. HE WAS
A GIVER & HE LOVED IT! WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT HE LIVED IN OUR LIFETIME AND PASSED OUR WAY.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU DURING THESE DIFFICULT HOURS. REV.21:3,4
WITH LOVE,
JOAN & JOE FOX
Debbie Branch
January 19, 2006
Dear Tom & Maggie,
Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
With Love in Christ,
Joe Thomas
January 19, 2006
Mr. Stryker was the best of teachers, the playing of the sax was made so easy under his teaching. I left Danville many years ago, but will remember Mr. Syryker always. Mr. Stryker rest in peace. Your student, Joe Thomas
Gary Clark
January 19, 2006
Dear Stryker Family,
I attended GW and thought a lot of Mr. Stryker. Heroes are not always attired in flying uniforms. So ware band uniforms and work all their life with children, making the world a much better place. God bless you all.
Barbara K. Goldstein
January 19, 2006
My heartfelt condolences to the Stryker family. Although I did not take "Band" at GWHS, I remember the very "gentle-man" who taught it. A few years later, Mr. Stryker played with the Bob Cleveland orchestra at our wedding reception in December 1962 at the Country Club Inn. May sweet memories warm you through this difficult time.
Shirley and John Primiano
January 19, 2006
We were so sorry to read about your father and we want you to know that we loved him. Gene would always join us when we played (Sweet Sugar South Band)at Stratford. We had such fun. We have been friends for many years. God bless you.
Patsi Compton
January 19, 2006
Dear Margaret,
I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend your father's service. He was a talented and gentle man. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Love, Patsi
Pat Gauldin martin
January 19, 2006
Nothing but good things could ever be said about this quiet, humble man that so much appreciated the talent God gave him, thus he freely shared it with so many others. Kind Regards. Pat G. Martin
Joyce Lewis Matherly
January 18, 2006
I remember Mr Stryker from having been in his band class in the old GW School on Holbrook Ave and the new GW School. He was a wonderful teacher and very nice person. He was well liked by all the band members at that time.
Janet Hullender
January 18, 2006
I admired Mr. Stryker's musical talent and his gentle ways with those he met. He will be greatly missed.
Pam & Gary Young
January 18, 2006
Dear Tom and Maggie, Please know how sorry we are for the loss of your father. We are glad you had the opportunity to visit with him last week. Please pass on our condolences to your sisters and brothers. You are in our prayers. Have a safe trip back to Louisville. Love, Pam, Gary and Gary
Steve Newman
January 18, 2006
Tom,
Sorry to hear about your father, Mary and I have you and your family in our prayers, love to You, Maggie,& family. God Bless.
Steve & Mary
Donald Dunn
January 18, 2006
Very sorry to hear about Mr. Stryker's passing. He was a great musican and teacher. He will be greatly missed.May God be with you all.
Cathy Gravely-Congdon
January 18, 2006
Margaret,
Sorry to hear of your father's passing. I remember him from GW.
Sincerely,
Cathy Congdon
Jo Ann and Charly Ezell
January 18, 2006
Dear Eleanor and family, We are so sad to hear of Gene's passing; he was just a great guy -- always smiling! We have kept you in our thoughts since we relocated to Oklahoma. May God hold you close as you go through this time of your lives.
Ed & Stephanie Culver
January 18, 2006
Tom,
We are sorry to hear about your Dad. Please know that we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
John G. Roberts Jr.
January 18, 2006
To the family: I've known Eugene for more than fifty years, first at Trinity UMC, and found him to be a very cordial and fine acquaintance. We were fellow Rotarians and we have enjoyed his music often at church and other places.
I remember fondly how Eugene's son, Sam played a little joke on the preacher by shuffling his notes so he couldn't find his place! We have many fond memories of your family and want to express our sincere sympathy in your loss and ask God's peace and comfort on each of you.
Sincerely,
John and Barbara Roberts
Harriet Thompson
January 18, 2006
The Stryker Family:
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Stryker's death. I worked with him as a music teacher in the Danville schools. I didn't know him until I came to Danville, but was surprised to find out that we both attended Evergreen Elementary School and Plainfield High School in Plainfield, New Jersey. My next door neighbor in Plainfield had Mr. Stryker for her band director at GW before she moved to Plainfield. It's a small world! Mr. Stryker will truly be missed.
Stacey Wright
January 18, 2006
Mr. Stryker was a wonderful muscian and a wonderful educator. I always enjoyed his humor. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Sincerely,
Stacey Wright
Rose & Glenn Farquhar
January 18, 2006
Tom,
We are so sorry to hear about your Father. We are praying for you and your family and please know that we love you and Maggie and are here for you if you need someone to talk to.
Love, Rose & Glenn
Meryl Townsend Worley
January 18, 2006
Danville has lost a great patron of the arts but heaven has gained a great musician. May God bless and comfort your family at this time.
Larry Kelly
January 18, 2006
To the Stryker family,
Sorry to hear the passing of your father. I had him for band many years ago at Schoolfield Elm., R.E. Lee Jr. and GWHS. It was he who taught me the love of music. He taught me to play the clarinet and the drums. You have my deepest sympathy and my prayers.
JUANITA TOTTEN
January 18, 2006
We are sorry about the death of Eugene, and we're lifting you up in prayer.
Love,
Juanita and Brad Totten
Nancy Faulks
January 18, 2006
To Eleanor and the Styker children,
We are so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Eugene was a great brother whose correspondence made us laugh and kept us in touch with all of you. Our mother, Margery will miss him dearly and keeps you all in her thoughts. With Sympathy,
Nancy, Paul, Betsy and Jere
Tish Brandon
January 18, 2006
Patsy and Stryker Family,
We were so very sorry to hear about Mr. Stryker and shall miss seeing him at the Stratford House. He was always smiling and doing for others. Birthdays will be a little quieter without Mr. Stryker playing requests on his accordion. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Corinne H. Henderson
Bill Henderson
Tish (Henderson) Brandon
Orville Eichhorst
January 18, 2006
Gene was a very good friend and inspiration to us at Stratford House. We will miss him a lot because he was our Music Man, who played music for our birthdays and also had sing-a-longs with Religious Music. My sympathies to his family
Orville Eichhorst
Shirley Cadmus
January 18, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family. I remember Gene as a very warm, generous, caring person. I enjoyed working with him while he was my art surpervisor.
Sincerely,
Joanne Cash
January 18, 2006
Patsy, we are all so sorry to hear about your Father's death. I know you will miss him. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We miss and love you! Joanne
Dr. Wayne Samuels
January 18, 2006
My sincere condolences to the Stryker family. Although I was not in the band, I remember him well even after all these years. I am sorry to be late, but only learned today of Mr. Stryker's death.
Caren (Fuquay) Gunnell
January 18, 2006
The Stryker Family,
When I was in third grade (1968 or 1969) at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School, we did a play called "The Muffin Man". I played "Mrs. Muffin" and Mr. Stryker played my husband, "Mortimer Muffin". He took the time to be in a children's play. I will never forget it. He was a good man and loved very much. I pray the Lord will give you peace and comfort at this most painful time. God Bless you all.
Mary Kaye "Hoskins" Huecker
January 18, 2006
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your mom at this time. The Danville community has lost a great man. He was so warm and understanding to me when my father passed away 45 years ago.
William Milton
January 18, 2006
Tom, Dottie and I send our sympathy to you and your family in this time of loss.
Dottie and Bill
Sue Wyatt Holmes
January 18, 2006
Sam, Please tell your mother my thoughts are with you all. I just loved your dad and so respected his talent. I always ran into him on my trips back to Danville over the last few years. He was always smiling and so happy and full of energy. Sue Wyatt Holmes, Columbia, SC
Kelly Kontakis
January 17, 2006
Jere,
I was sorry to hear of your father's passing. You are in my thoughts during this time of sadness....Your favorite Kroger cashier...
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