Thomas Leamon Strickland

Thomas Leamon Strickland, 92, of Lufkin, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. He was a truly kind and intelligent man. Thomas, Tom to most, was born on June 13, 1931, in Sun, West Virginia, a small coal town in Fayette County, West Virginia, where his father worked in the local coal mining industry.

Mr. Strickland was raised in Eccles, West Virginia. He attended Trap Hill School, where the average graduating class was 64 students. At the time of Tom’s attendance, Trap Hill School served as a school for grades one through twelve. During his time as a wildcat, he was active in the dramatic arts and played football. He graduated as a member of the Trap Hill Class of 1949 and began pursuing his aviation dreams.

Adlai Stevenson, 23rd Vice President of the United States, once said,

“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

Thomas Strickland embodied patriotism, as his entire life’s work was dedicated to serving and protecting his country, his family, and his community. In 1950, he joined the United States Air Force, where he held multiple positions flying cargo and personnel to countries such as Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Even after receiving many accolades for his service in the Air Force, his dedication to flight continued. He later joined the Civil Air Patrol and served over the next 30 years in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Texas. Up until 2013 and the age of 82, he worked to make rescues and teach rescue techniques to other Civil Air Members. Just as flight and aviation truly “fueled” his soul, so did his wife.

Thomas, “Tommy”, married the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Mary “Dean” Strickland (Black), on June 7th of 1958. His love for Dean was the true embodiment of love at first sight. It was through this love that they created three children- Tris Duane, Terrel Leslie (Pamela), and Tamra Darlene Dyke (JD).

Mr. Strickland acquired the name “Grandad” in 1982. He enjoyed reminiscing and telling his 6 grandchildren stories about his “younger days”.  He is survived by 5 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leamon J. Strickland (1989) and Glenna I. Strickland (1987), as well as his grandson, Patrick Strickland (2023).

“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness.” ~Anne Frank

Thomas Leamon Strickland was truly a GREAT man.  He was kind, hard-working, determined, and exhibited goodness in all that he did. These traits among many others were shared with all who knew him.

Information regarding a memorial service in honor of Thomas “Tom” Strickland will be relayed at a later time.  Please keep his family and sweet wife, Dean Strickland, in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate and mourn the loss of such a kind soul.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.