Alan Stroup

Alan Reece Stroup was born Nov. 11, 1975, in Cape Girardeau, son of Randy Stroup of Chaffee and Janice Minor Stroup (now Janice Thomas) of Jacksonville, N.C.

He died in an automobile accident Friday, Jan. 10, 2003.

Alan married Tara Payne May 25, 1996. They have two sons, Dalton Stroup and A.J. Stroup. Dalton is five years old and A.J. is 20 months.

Alan attended high school at Scott City, where he graduated in 1994. He played baseball, football and wrestling in high school. He wrestled in the state wrestling meet. Football was his favorite sport. He won all conference and all district honors in football. He was proud of having played on a football team that made it to the state quarterfinals.

Alan was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He ably and honorably served the United States of America from September 1994 to July 2000. While in the Marine Corps he received numerous commendations and citations for excellence, including the Navy Achievement Medal. He was a helicopter mechanic.

After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Alan attended college. He graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a degree in aviation technology. He achieved a 3.95 grade point average while taking extra hours and working part time.

After graduating from SIU in 2002, Alan was employed at Sabreliner Corp. He was of the Baptist faith.

Alan is survived by his wife; two sons; parents; a brother, Glendon Stroup of Scott City; maternal grandparents, Joe and Billie Minor; maternal great-grandmother, Mabel Alston; and paternal grandmother, Jeanie Stroup, all of Chaffee.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Howard Glendon Stroup.

Alan was a very hard worker. He helped many people without the expectation of any pay. He was dedicated to his family. He was a great husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him well.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee after 4 p.m. Sunday.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the chapel, with the Rev. Charles Tennison officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made toward the education of Alan's sons.