Dr. John A. Stricklin, 92, of Carmi, Illinois, died Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at his home.
He graduated from Harrisburg High School when he was 17 and attended Southern Illinois University and The George Washington University until his entry into World War II in 1941. He entered the Navy and was granted a military scholarship. It was through his military scholarship that he completed his undergraduate degree at Brown University in Rhode Island and medical school at the University of Illinois. He graduated from medical school in 1948 and interned at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans, LA. It was in New Orleans that he married Anne Louise Voth on July 31, 1948.
Having been educated by the Armed Forces, he was called to active duty during the Korean War. He served as a Lieutenant, then Captain, from 1950 to 1952, and remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1954.
John established his medical practice in Carmi, IL, in 1950, and except for interruption caused by his military service, practiced in Carmi until his retirement in 1986.
Many Carmi residents recall John showing up at the hospital in coveralls, rubber boots and a rabbit skin hat. His passion was farming the acreage he acquired near Norris City, IL, and emergency calls often found him there in those boots and coveralls.
Survivors include son Dr. David (Joni) Stricklin of Carmi; daughters Jessica (Robert) Disbrow of Decatur, Illinois, Vicki (John) Stockhowe of Herald, Illinois; sister Betty M. Winokur of Iowa City, Iowa; grandchildren Brian Mitchell, Amanda (Ryan) Busch, Kylene Stricklin, Molly (Steve) Burns; and great grandchild Anna Busch.
In keeping with Dr. Stricklin’s wishes, his remains were cremated. A visitation will be 1-3 pm, Saturday, November 21, 2015, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Carmi. Private family burial with military rites will follow at Kingdom Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Nature Conservancy and will be accepted at Cook Funeral Chapel in Carmi.