David Earl Stricklen, Sr. was born January 8,1956 to the union of Carl Earl and Geneva Stricklen. The child David Earl Strickland was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. David grew up in a loving home, and was taught the Love of Christ, and at a very early age accepted Christ as his Lord and savior at Mt. Zion Church Of God In Christ. David was very active in different ministries in the church. He and two brothers, Terry and Don, started a Stricklen Brother's group, he played the guitar.
David graduated with honors from Washington High School. Following high school, he attended flight attendant school in Tulsa Oklahoma, and later went on to serve in the United States Air Force. David was recognized for his outstanding service, he was the recipient of several awards; The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Outstanding Unit Award and Air Force Good Conduct Medal. He was stationed in England, where he married and his first son was born. He later moved to California and attended business school, and received a Bachelor's degree.
He was then employed with the Roadway Trucking company. David had a passion for sports that brought him much enjoyment, basketball, baseball, and softball to name a few.
David was diagnosed with stage four cancer and given 1-6 months to live, that was in July of 2018, but with the grace of God and his unmerited favor, he survived the chemo and other treatments that surpassed the understanding of all his care team and others.
On many Sundays David received the Lord's Supper, where his mother witnessed him speaking in tongue, God's Heavenly language. He often spoke of his dad's many visits, reminding him that there was a place for him in his Father's House, and he was set free indeed. Leading up to his last days on this earth, the sweet serenade of his mother's voice petitioning heaven with the words of the song "Precious Lord take my Hand Lead me on". On December 29th at 12:28 pm the Lord granted the petition David took his last breath as his favorite song played “God is an Awesome God.”
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Earl. Left to cherish his memories is his mother, Geneva Stricklen; two sons, David Earl Stricklen Jr., Kansas City, MO and Charles Eric Quincy Askew, Lebanon, MO spouse (McKenna); three brothers, Terry L. (Marva) Stricklen, Sr., Kansas City, Don C. (Anita) Stricklen, Blue Springs, MO, Michael A. Stricklen, Kansas City; two sisters, Jeanette (Kevin) Lee, Little Elm, TX and Angel Cherie Stricklen, Kansas City, KS; one uncle, Lee Allen Stricklen; and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.