Edward D. Strickland

Edward D. Strickland, age 85, of Elkton, MD, passed away peacefully at home, while surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Ed was born in Skippack, PA on January 11, 1932, and was the son of the late Albert and Clara May Strickland. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954. Along with several service medals, he was a receipient of the Bronze Star for valor in combat. A union truck driver by trade, Ed retired in 1996 after more than 40 years of dedicated employment. While working as a teamster, he also owned and operated his own truck, logging over 4 million miles. Active in his community, Ed was a 50+ year member of Hiram Lodge #25 A.F. & A.M. Throughout his Masonic travels, he was involved with the Shriners Clown Unit raising money for the Children’s Hospital, belonged to the Nur Temple and was a member of the Scottish Rite. He had an exceptionally strong work ethic, which he instilled in each of his children. After retirement, Ed enjoyed road trips with his wife, Toni. They were always heading somewhere, but nowhere special. They were active with their grandchildren, often attending sporting events, concerts and ceremonies. After Toni’s death, Ed became an avid reader and was content getting lost in a book. Ed will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed. In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Antoinette C. “Toni” Strickland and several siblings. He is survived by his sons, Gary E. Strickland (Pamela), Edward Strickland (Dawn), and Michael D. Strickland (girlfriend, Jessica Turner); brother, Clyde Strickland; sister, Eleanor Norton; and grandchildren, David (Taquoya), Kelly (fiancÃ©, Jawan Carter), Kayce, and Nicholas. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a Masonic service will begin at 7:00 pm, followed by a funeral service. A committal service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday afternoon, September 15, 2017, in the chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s memory may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Lockbox 1352, P.O. Box 8500, Philadelphia, PA 19178 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.