WALTER STRICKLAND

WALTER STICKLAND 12/12/1932 - 08/22/2025 Walter Floyd Strickland, 92, of Shawnee, Okla., passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and dear friends. Walter was born on December 12, 1932, in LeFlore, Okla. He was one of the youngest of a large and devoted family. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter Wesley Strickland and Rhoda Hancock Strickland and siblings Luther Strickland, Troy Ryles, Eunice Lowe, Dee Strickland, Austin Strickland, Ruth Vermillion, Alpha Strickland, and Carl Strickland. He is survived by his sister, Wanda Bush of Saginaw, Texas, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Walter proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and served six years in the reserves. He was also a proud member of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, honoring both his heritage and community throughout his life. On October 23, 1971, Walter married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Davis, in Red Oak, Okla. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage and built a legacy of love and family. He is survived by their children: Walter Wesley Strickland of Oklahoma City; James Randall "Randy" Strickland and wife Kristi of Shawnee; Lisa Jo Gunning of Norman; Shakira Dawn Stafford and husband Adam of Shawnee; and Michael Seth Strickland of Milwaukee, Wis. Walter was a proud grandfather to Brett Strickland and wife Kaleigh, Brad Strickland and wife Lauren, Baruck Strickland and wife Samantha, Gabrielle Richards, and Chiara Carpenter; and a beloved great-grandfather to Brayden, Gage, Jax, Kruz, Bryer, Jayden, Baylee, Holden, Hudson, Bristil, Jayla, and Axel. Walter graduated from LeFlore High School in 1951 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from East Central University in 1976. He dedicated 30 years of service to Tinker Air Force Base in upper-level management, where he was recognized with numerous awards for his inventive ideas and leadership before retiring in 1995. He served as a volunteer firefighter in the community of Little for nine years. In addition, he volunteered with Central Oklahoma Economic Development District Area Agency on Aging as an Ombudsman frequently visiting and advocating for the rights of nursing home residents. He was elected by his peers to serve in the House of Representatives for the Silver Haired Legislature from 1996 to 2000. Although Walter did not seek another term, he was appointed to attend the Alumni Executive Committee meeting quarterly and served as Vice Chairperson on the Council for Aging which included seven counties. Walter's faith was central to his life. He was baptized in 1999 and became an active member of the Seminole Church of Christ, where he served on the benevolence and missions committees and participated in multiple mission trips to Mexico. After moving to Shawnee in 2014, he became a devoted member of Northridge Church of Christ. He studied God's word daily and prayed intently, finding strength and guidance in his faith. A man of many interests, Walter enjoyed studying natural health remedies, golf, dominoes, and playing cards. He was a sharp dresser, a lover of laughter, and never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his ability to plan and accomplish any task, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering generosity. Walter took great pride in his family's accomplishments and cherished his church family as his own. Walter's life was defined by service, faith, heritage, and love. His legacy will live on through the friends and family he adored, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Northridge Church of Christ in Shawnee, Okla. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at North Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak, Okla., where Walter will be honored by the Choctaw Nation Honor Guard. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Okla.