Forrest Strickland

Forrest Dark Strickland, age 85, of Cherryvale, Kansas died Friday, July 13, 2012 at the Mercy Hospital in Independence, Kansas. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Cherryvale, Kansas with the Reverend Jeff McCullough officiating under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the American Cancer Society and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale, Kansas. Forrest Dark Strickland was born October 3, 1926 in Sharon, Kansas to Frank and Chlora Dark Strickland. He grew up in Wendell, Idaho and attended school in Wendell, Idaho before entering the United States Army and serving during World War II until his honorable discharge. In March of 1947 Forrest married Ester Flaming and she preceded him in death in April of 1950. On March 2, 1952 Forrest married Barbara A. Blackburn in Cherokee, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Wichita, Kansas and California before moving to Cherryvale, Kansas in 1966. Forrest was a brick mason for over 60 years. He owned and operated Strickland Masonry. Forrest was a member of the Masonic Lodge, was a past Cherryvale City Commissioner, a member of the First Baptist Church in Cherryvale, Kansas and loved to travel and dance. Survivors include his wife Barbara of the home three sons Bruce Strickland, Sonny Strickland and Steven Strickland and wife Linda all of Cherryvale, Kansas three daughters Janet Carter and husband Michael of Mustang, Oklahoma, Tanna Boss and husband Greg of Cherryvale, Kansas and Tori Armbruster and husband James of Cherryvale, Kansas 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.