Neil Strickland

Mr. Neil A. Strickland, age 84 of Curran, Michigan, passed away at The Home at AuSable Valley Community in Fairview, MI on Wednesday, September 18, 2013.
Neil was born in Kalamo, Michigan on July 29, 1929 to Mahlon and Nancy Strickland.  He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He married Norma Whitney on April 10, 1950 in Lansing, MI. Neil had many different jobs in his lifetime:  he worked for the Oldsmobile Plant in Lansing; as a pulpwood sawyer in Hillman and as a school bus driver in Leslie. He also served as a pastor for Hale Free Methodist in Leslie and the Fowlerville Free Methodist Churches.  He retired to Leslie, then settled in Barton City (L.I.T.G in Curran).  Neil had attended the Curran United Methodist Church and later the Mio United Methodist Church.  He was a former member of the Hale VFW and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and reading.
Neil is survived by his wife Norma Jean Strickland of Barton City, MI; his children: Wendy Vichunas of Clarkston, MI; Roger (Gwen) Strickland of Harrison, MI; Marlene Strickland of Mason, MI; and Carlton (Laurie) Strickland of Perry, MI; his 10 grandchildren:  Joe, Andy, Michael, Nathan, Karrie, Heather, David, Taylor, Brett, and Bethany; and 10 great-grandchildren:  Camden, Harry, Jersey, Keith, Kyle, Lauren, Avery, Brady, Samone, Charlie, and 1 expected great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Fonda Newell; 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 20, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI, and again from 12 Noon until the time of Funeral Services at 2 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Mio United Methodist Church with Pastors Tracy Brooks and Ross Wilder officiating. Military Honors will be offered by the Mio VFW Post # 4162, at church following the service.  In accordance with his wishes, cremation will follow the Funeral Service.
""He lived his life to the fullest, with no regrets.""
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.