William Stricklin

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- William Leon "Lum" Stricklin, 83, of Chaffee passed away Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, peacefully in his sleep at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 28, 1938, in Flat River (Park Hills), Missouri, to Lloyd and Omilee Stricklin. He and Margie Ruth Stricklin were married on June 28, 1971. She survives.

He worked construction jobs as a general foreman at nuclear power plants in various states, including Missouri, Louisiana and Texas. His greatest passion was playin' his guitar and singing. He also was a storyteller of his lifelong journeys in great detail. He loved spending quality time with his family, fishing, camping, hunting and drinking the "nectar of life." He had a sense of humor that can only be described by those who knew him. He loved his wife "more than life itself." He was dearly loved by his family and many friends.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Margie Stricklin of Chaffee; children and stepchildren, Lori (Bruce) Reid of Chaffee; Lisa (Todd) Shelton of Hutchinson, Kansas; Becky Crowden (Gary) of Hallsville, Missouri; Gary (Darlene) Kelley of Delta; and Theresa (Michael) Powell of Jefferson City; siblings, Leroy Stricklin of Lompoc, California, and Janet (Pete) Osmussen of Surprise, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Omilee Stricklin; siblings, Harold "Vernon" Stricklin, Ronald Gale "Gay" (Loraine) Stricklin and Leslie Richard "Rich" (Nancy) Stricklin; sister-in-law, Beatrice "Bea" Stricklin; son, Robert Kelley; and grandchildren, Brandy Keller and Cody Kelley.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Kenny Rogers Children's Center or Salvation Army, because if "I won the lottery, that is who I would donate to."

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolence may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.