Richard P. Strickler

Age 94, Shenandoah, Va.

Richard P. Strickler, 94, of Shenandoah, VA, died Sunday, December 10, 2023, at The Phoenix of Harrisonburg, surrounded by family.

He was born November 6, 1929, and was the son of the late Owen M. and Edith M. Strickler. He was preceded in death on June 30, 2017, by his wife of 66 years, Billie Page Strickler. He was also preceded in death by a son, Vincent, who died at age 8 from cancer.

He leaves his son Rick and his wife, Sherri of Richmond and their three children, Brenton, John and Ryan. Also, he leaves a son Gary and his wife, Sharon of Shenandoah and their children, Chris and Natalie and a brother Owen of Emporia, VA, and a special niece and nephew, Owen III and Sharon Richmond.

In addition to the above survivors, he leaves five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

After finishing Shenandoah High School, Richard continued his education at Bridgewater College where he took courses in Economics and Commerce until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s and often joked with his friends that he kept them safe during the “cold war era” by being a bomb loading crew chief, loading atomic bombs on B-36 bombers for their around the clock flights. He always gave his wife, Billie, equal credit for his military service as she was with him most of the time enduring military life.

After the military, Richard returned home to Shenandoah and spent his working life with his father, and later his brother, in the insurance and real estate business. He served on various civic committees in the area, with the longest being the Page County Planning Commission for 20 years. Richard enjoyed life and was deeply interested in flying and boating. He began flying at the age of 16 out of the old Elkton airport near Bethel Church. He owned a number of planes and finally gave up flying at the age of 80. His boating includes a number of trips to Florida and extensive trip on the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay. In addition to enjoying time with his family, he and his wife also enjoyed spending the winter seasons in North Palm Beach.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. A private burial will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shenandoah Fire & Rescue.