Earl Loyd Strickler, 91, of Lexington passed away on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Earl was born on July 8, 1932, in Henrietta, the son of Everett Lawrence and Inez Bernice (Wright) Strickler.

He was first united in marriage to Shirley Simmons of Richmond. To this union, his daughter Jennifer was born. They later divorced.

He was then married to Doris Jean Anderson of Lexington on Oct. 22, 1977. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include his son, Trevor (Randa) Strickler of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter, Jennifer (Stanley) Thompson of Richmond; four grandchildren, Penelope Strickler, Sienna Strickler, Clayton Thompson and Kirstie Thompson; and sister, Nancy (Gary) Burgess of Camden.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly Strickler in infancy; brother, Larry Lee Strickler; and sister, Bonnie Trader.

Earl was reared and educated in the area of his birth and graduated from Henrietta High School. After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict.

Upon returning to Henrietta, he worked as a heavy equipment operator, running drag lines, and was one of the first tower crane operators in the area. He was a lifelong farmer in the Camden and Henrietta bottoms.

Earl loved to fish, collecting and hunting for Indian artifacts, and collecting old knives and guns.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by services at 11. Burial was in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville. Military honors were provided by the Navy and the Ray County Veterans.

Please share your memories of Earl with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.