C. Strickland

C. Wendell Strickland, Age 92, Of  Johnstown, Twp., Passed away on February 12, 2017 at home with his loving family at his side. Wendell was born on December 17, 1924 to Earl and Beryl (LeGear) Strickland near Bedford. He was a 1942 graduate of Hastings High School. On May 8, 1960 he married Wilma J. Hart. They had 56 wonderful years together. In his younger years he farmed with his parents and brother Keith which was then “Baseline Farm”. He also did DHIA milk testing for many farmers. From 1956 to 1965 he was a driver for Battle Creek Milk Producers association. From 1965 to 1988 he was an Independent Insurance agent in Hastings under Strickland Insurance Agency. He represented many companies during this time. He honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 and was stationed in Heidelberg Germany. While in Germany he played his Piccolo in Headquarters band and played for many dignitaries while abroad. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and very much enjoyed attending there sporting events, musicals and graduations. He was a former member and president of Hastings Kiwanis. Also, was a life member of Bedford Lodge #207 and OES #471. He was very active and served on the Johnstown Township Board for several years and was active in Barry County Government for many years. He has been a member of Country Chapel United Methodist Church for 40 years and served on the building Committee of the present church. He sang in the church choir and sang many solos. He loved to travel, has been a member of Flaky Flyers Good Sam # 58 and Chain O’ Lakes Good Sam # 53 of Coldwater for many years. He loved to travel to the U.P. deer hunting. He is survived by his wife Wilma of 56 years. 4 children, Daniel, Marcia, Gary and Amy; 5 grandchildren, James Russell, Ashley and Mark Hudd, Audrey Amendt, Nickolas and Lacey Strickland; 2 great grandchildren, Levi and Ella Hudd; a niece, Sandra Forbush of Mendon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Keith and daughter-in-law, Carrie Strickland. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 16, 2017, at Country Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Rick Foster officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Union Cemetery, Dowling, MI. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Country Chapel United Methodist Church or Great Lakes Hospice, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI. www.henryfuneralhome.org