Howard Lee Strickland was born on Aug. 18, 1938, to Claude Strickland and Flora Bowen Strickland, in Shamrock, Texas. He entered into the arms of his precious savior on April 20, 2020.

He married Dorothy Burges on Aug. 3, 1974 in Shreveport, Louisiana. They shared 45 wonderful years. Howard and Dorothy were the owners of Welders-Mart, Inc. of Caddo Mills, Texas, for the past 37 years.

Howard also pastored at the Miller Grove United Methodist Church in Miller Grove for 16 years. Howard has been a Methodist pastor for 55 years. He also pastored churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents; brothers, James Ray, Jerry, Earl Dean and Billy Claude; and sisters, Linda, Jean and Mary.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, son Derrick Strickland, grandson Justin, sisters Wyonna Lewis, Penny Shelton and husband Lynn, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends, and special friends (adopted family) Ben and Betty Moore.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Ben Moore, Tom Walsh, Calvin Earp, Grant Earp, James Morgan, and Coltin Rowbotham.

In lieu of Flowers donations may be made to Miller Grove United Methodist Church, P O Box 437, Cumby, TX 75433, or Friendship Cemetery, 2186 CR 1120, Cumby, TX. 75433.

Due to the gathering restriction, a come and go visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at West Oaks Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Friday April 24, at 11 a.m., at Friendship Cemetery. Everyone is welcome, but please follow restriction guidelines. 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com