Charles "Gene" Stricker

Gene Stricker, of Okmulgee, passed away at home on Sunday, July 31, 2016. He was 86 years of age. Gene was born March 12, 1930 in Cromwell, Oklahoma to the late Doy and Elizabeth (Banks) Stricker. He married June Kimrey on August 7, 1948 in Okemah. They shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. Gene enjoyed fishing and was an avid OU Football and Thunder Basketball fan. Starting out, Gene worked the oilfields in Oklahoma and New Mexico. He returned to Oklahoma in 1960 when he and his brother-in-law, Don Kimrey, purchased Burnt Cabin Resort on Lake Tenkiller. While there, Gene gave scuba diving lessons and assisted in rescues. In the late 60’s, he founded Gene’s Well Service, working several rigs all over the state. After selling Gene’s Well Service, he and his son, Kent, started their own independent oil and gas company, Stricker Resources, Inc. A heart surgery prompted Gene to retire in 2000 at the age of 70. Gene was a dedicated family man who cherished the time he was able to spend with his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, June, a son, Ronnie Stricker and a sister, Morene Frasher-Johnson. Survivors include his daughters, Rhonda Thorpe of Checotah, Vicki Willis and husband Wayne of Okmulgee, a son, Kent Stricker and wife Kathy of Morris. Grandchildren, Mike Armstrong, Michele Drain and husband Terry, Stacy Been and husband Justin, Jennifer Shipman and husband Doy, Danielle Honel and husband Kyle, and Rhett Stricker. Great-grandchildren, Hannah Drain, Madison Shipman, Cody Shipman, Mabrey Been, Mason Shipman, Brayden Stricker, and Khloe Honel. A service celebrating Gene's life will be held on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel in Okmulgee with Pastor Dale Litsey and Doy Shipman officiating. Friends may visit the funeral home on Thursday from 2-8 PM. The family will be present to greet guests from 6-8 PM. Interment will be in the Morris Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Wayne Willis, Mike Armstrong, Rhett Stricker, Terry Drain, Justin Been, Kyle Honel, Doy Shipman and Houston Spring. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Gene’s Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com

Charles "Gene" Stricker

March 12, 1930 - July 31, 2016