Albert Leon Stricklen
Albert Leon Stricklen
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Albert Stricklen Obituary
Born in Eustis, Florida, to Simon and Pauline Stricklen, Leon grew up in Umatilla with his brother, Martin, enjoying hunting, fishing, and working in the family groves. He was a Umatilla High School graduate and served as a 1st Lieutenant with the U.S. Army's 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and two Purple Hearts.
Leon earned bachelor's and master's degrees in agriculture from the University of Florida. He was a third-generation citrus grower, MAI-designated appraiser, and trusted expert witness for the Florida Department of Transportation on agricultural property cases.
Upon marrying his wife, Lauren, Leon fully embraced fatherhood to her children, Erika and Edward, with unwavering devotion. A man of deep faith, he spent 42 years as a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Eustis, serving many times as Senior Warden.
Leon will be remembered for his strength, integrity, love of the outdoors, and steadfast dedication to God and his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lauren; children Erika Krivenko, Edward Blakiston and daughter-in-law, Leigh Blakiston; and grandchildren Mark McHale, Kelly McHale, Maddox Blakiston, Garrett Blakiston, and Tristan Blakiston.
Visitation for Mr. Stricklen will be held in the Chapel of Beyers Funeral Home, 279 S. Central Ave, Umatilla, FL on Sunday December 7, 2025 from 2-4 PM. A Funeral Services will follow at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 600 E. Lemon St, Eustis, FL on Monday December 8 beginning at 11 AM with interment to follow at Glendale Cemetery, Umatilla, FL. The family will host a reception and receive friends and share in a time of fellowship following the interment back at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The Umatilla Masonic Lodge #65, P.O. Box 809, Umatilla, FL 32784.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob Shepps
December 8, 2025
I will always remember the day when the six of us, members of OCS class 1-66 (two weeks time in grade and all of that leave) arrived at Fort Riley Kansas in great anticipation of joining the 9th Infantry Division. We soon found out that we along with, then, COL Kendall were the 9th Div. Dubbed "The Six Bars and the Bird," Later the "six" joined the newly formed 2d Bn 39th INF, trained our troops through basic, AIT, basic and then advanced unit training and roughly 9 months later deployed to Viet Nam. Where we operated out of Camp Bearcat. Many of you have heard of our various trails, tribulations, mistakes, missteps and accomplishments from the truely master story teller Strick. He spared no one including himself in the his often hilarious recounts. But Leon was much more than a story teller. He was a true genuine person, generous and a friend for life. Sher and I valued his friendship and will miss him dearly.
Sher Shepps
December 8, 2025
I met "Strick" in 1966 at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was a larger than life guy with a heart of gold. What an amazing friend - funny, caring, generous,a great story-teller, warm and always there for you. I feel so blessed to have known him for 59 years and I will miss seeing him terribly. Rest in peace my favorite gator-hunter.
Clifford A. Gehrt
December 8, 2025
Gator rest in peace my good friend of 60 years
Clifford A. Gehrt
December 8, 2025
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Gary E Woodring
December 7, 2025
RIP Gator! It was an honor to have known you and be a OCS 1-66 classmate. You always brought sunshine into our lives.
Dan Peck
December 7, 2025
Leon was an OCS classmate, a fellow officer and a friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Leon.
Tom Evans
December 4, 2025
As an OCS 1-66 Classmate, Gator was one of the Best of the Best. Seeing him in the years after we graduated was always an enjoyable event. He will be missed. May he rest in Peace.
John Willis
December 3, 2025
Well "roomie" we made quite a pair as members of "Cady´s Tigers", didn´t we. No matter how many obstacles that were placed in our path, we were determined to climb over them together. Like all roommates in 51st Company, we were a team, and lifted each other up when we were down and always pulled together. No matter how many times the Tach´s trashed our room, we just cleaned it up and soldiered on. When you, and a number one of our classmates, got orders to go reform the 9th ID, we teased you about where you were all headed, once the 9th was formed. The joke was on me, however, as I ended up arriving in the RVN a good 6 months before the 9th ID. That served as a lifelong message about being more careful about what I said in teasing anyone. I was so proud of you, and our classmates, who worked so hard, and overcame so many challenges, especially fresh out of OCS. I loved it when you shared some of the exploits that the "6 bars and a bird" accomplish ed. I remember us being exhausted after long days in the field, followed by "spit shinning" our floor, desk blotters, our boots and the Company Daycare Room floor. Then studying for the next day´s classes, by flashlight, under our blankets, after "lights out". The kicker was when the bird had the audacity to poop on our window while we out at the range. I was so pleased when I learned that you had returned home safely, unlike some of our classmates. I will be seeing you seeing one of these days, and we can look back with pride on our days at "Benning´s School for Boys".
John Willis
Bob Gaylord
December 3, 2025
Leon was very good man, a dear friend and an excellent fishing instructor. May you rest in peace my friend
Bob Gaylord
Tom Faroh
December 3, 2025
Rest in peace Gator. "We celebrate the life of a good man."
Alex Gordon
December 3, 2025
Rest In Peace Gator, gone from this life but never forgotten. OCS Class 1/66.
Quentin R. (Pete) Cowman, Infantry OCS, Class 1-66
December 3, 2025
Leon "Gator" Strickland was a member and fellow classmate at Infantry OCS, Class1-66. It was a distinguished class producing outstanding young Army officers. He served proudly in Vietnam with the U.S. 9th Infantry Division and was an outstanding soldier. May he Rest In Peace.
Phil Kearns
December 3, 2025
RIP my fellow 9th Infantry Division, "Old Reliable " Soldier, Gator.
Phil Kearns Viet Nam 1968
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279 S Central Ave PO Box 949, Umatilla, FL 32784
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