Claude E. Strickler Jr.

YORK Claude "Bud" E. Strickler, Jr., 87, passed away on Thursday April 28, 2011 at Normandie Ridge Nursing Home. He was the husband of Betty J. (Smyser) Strickler. The couple planned to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on May 9th. A celebration of life memorial service will be 5 p.m. on Wednesday at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York. A visitation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. prior to the service. Following the service, an announcement will be made regarding a social gathering. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Mr. Strickler was born on March 2, 1924 in York, the son of the late Claude, Sr. and Ellen (Fahs) Strickler. "Bud" was a WWII Veteran, serving six years in the Navy in the Pacific area aboard USS Electra. In 1949 "Bud" and Betty founded Gent-l-kleen Products, Inc; a hand cleaner manufacturing company, which continues today under the direction of their eldest son. Mr. & Mrs. Strickler were former members of St. Paul's Wolf's Church. "Bud' and his wife enjoyed traveling in their motor homes throughout the country, especially Florida, the West Coast and Alaska. They also enjoyed traveling to Bermuda. "Bud" was an airplane enthusiast, even having his private pilot's license. He also was a motorcycle and motor home enthusiast. Mr. Strickler was a self-taught business man who attended numerous business classes and Dale Carnegie. He was a member of the York Chamber of Commerce and the Hawks Gunning Club. Along with his wife, Betty, Mr. Strickler is survived by two sons, James E. Strickler and his wife, Karen of York and Jeffrey E. Strickler and his wife, Cindy of Dover; two daughters, Jane E. Gojmerac of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Jill E. Meckley and her husband, Gregory of Dover; three grandchildren, Terry A. Snyder, Joshua T. Meckley and Megan A. Meckley; one great-grandson, Christopher Snyder; a sister, Betty Miller of York; numerous nieces and nephews; and a favorite pet, "Suzy". He was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Strickler. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Memorial and Honor Program, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Send Condolences at BestLifeTributes.com