Francis Clyde "Chew" Strickler Obituary

Francis Clyde (Chew) Strickler, age 84, formerly of Centerville, Iowa, took his final trip on the highway to heaven on August 21, 2015. His trip originated at the Pax Villa Hospice in Edinburg, Texas.

Clyde enjoyed gardening and watching the birds come to his feeder, especially the parrots. He loved growing his flowers. If it didn't bloom, he didn't plant it. Clyde also held precious the time he spent with his faithful friend-his dog Pete. He enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends at the truck stop and spending time with his ever so precious neighbors.

He started his working life at the young age of 13 when he worked at the Country Club Golf Shop. In his late teens, he worked on a survey crew with the county. Then in his twenties, he began his trucking career. Clyde hauled hay, grain, and produce from South Texas. In his thirties and forties, he owned and operated the Stateway Café and co-owned the Saddle Rock Café. At the age of 51, he made Edinburg, Texas his permanent home. He resided in Edinburg for over thirty years until his death.

Clyde was born in Centerville, Iowa on April 21, 1931, the son of Earl and Eula (Bates) Strickler. He graduated from Centerville High School.

Clyde is survived by his children, Dixie Strickler of Owatonna, Minnesota, Debbie (Tim) Brewer of Centerville, Iowa, Dana (Roger) Selix of Unionville, Iowa, and Russ Strickler of Centerville, Iowa; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; six nieces and nephews; as well as many trucking buddies that will miss his southern hospitality.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Eula Strickler; a brother, Earl Jr. (Hank) and Florence Strickler; and two infant sisters, Vera and Norma.

Graveside services will be held at 10 am, Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville, with Pastor Steve Houser leading the service. A visitation will take place at the Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville on Thursday, August 27th from Noon-8 pm, with the family receiving friends from 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions have been designated to the family of Francis "Chew" Strickler and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.