William Eugene (Gene) Stricklin

William Eugene (Gene) Stricklin, 81, of Desoto, Mo., died Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at Jefferson County Hospital in Festus, Mo.

Born April 14, 1928, in Rector to the late Charlie Stricklin and Ocie Banks Stricklin, he was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served in the Korean War, stationed part of his time in Tokyo. He loved the game of dominoes, playing cards, enjoyed fishing and most especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Gene was retired from Intertherm International in St. Louis as a welder and sheet metal specialist. After retiring he worked as a part-time security guard. He will be remembered by his family as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. When his wife, Ann, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he was by her side every monent that he could be. After 47 years of marriage, she truly remains the love of his life.

Also preceding him in death was one son, Tim Glover, and 10 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Lydia Ann Stricklin of Desoto; one son, Randy Glover and wife Janet; two daughters, Cindy Sinnott and husband Roger and Marcia Stricklin; one brother, Charlie Lavern Stricklin and wife Sandy; grandsons, Brad, Brian, Chad, Larry, Kevin and Brandon; great-granddaughter, Brooke, whom he referred to as "Precious," and several nieces and nehpews.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Sept. 23) at McDaniel Funeral Service Chapel in Kennett. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at McDaniel Chapel in Kennett. Burial will be in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett in charge of arrangements.