Ernest Lavern Strickland (Lebanon)

Ernest Lavern Strickland was born November 1, 1956 in Burlington, Iowa to Harry Jackson Strickland and Anna Flora Knapp Strickland. He left us on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the age of sixty-seven, surrounded by his loving family and friends in his final moments. He was a man of immense humor, wisdom and strength.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Anna; his brothers, Jerry Strickland; Harry Strickland, Marty Strickland; his sisters, Patty Anderson, Carol Hamilton and Harriette Strickland.
Ernest is survived by his partner Debbie Lockwood of Kansas City, Missouri; four daughters, Wendy Harrison of Alvarado, Texas, Anna Crump of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Heather Strickland of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Jessica Huyauban of Olathe, Kansas; his step-daughters, Nicole Lockwood and Amanda Lockwood, both of Kansas City, Missouri; his grandchildren, Michael, Robert, Briana, Dee, Aubriella, Ericka, Tony, Abigail, Kaydence, Colton, Chloe, Tyler and Emma; three brothers, Ronald Strickland, and his wife, Paula, of Herrington, Kansas, Denzil Strickland, and his wife, Nerea, of Wapello, Iowa, and Reese Strickland, and his wife, Lynda, of Des Moines, Iowa; a sister, Angel Akers of Mediapolis, Iowa; and other relatives and friends.
Ernest lived in many areas throughout the Midwest and worked in general construction and farm work. He endured a long battle with health issues, but he was very proud to say he had been sober for over twenty years.
He was a goofy, fun-loving man and lived life to the fullest. He was a wonderful PaPa to his grandchildren and he enjoyed seeing them and spending time with them as much as he could.
Ernest enjoyed music, dancing and reading. The memories he made with his friends and family will be cherished and shared for years to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Ernest Strickland on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the V.F.W. Hall 1000, located at 1002 E. U.S. Highway 24, #3106, in Independence, Missouri.