Carl E Stricklen was born August 23, 1934 in Morrilton, AR to the union of Samuel and Carlene Stricklen. He was educated at Sullivan High School in Morrilton, AR. Carl and Geneva Fletcher were schoolmates, and later they married in 1953 and to this union, six children were born.
Carl was saved at an early age at St. Paul AME Church in Morrilton until he moved to Kansas City, KS in 1960. He was united with Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J.E. Abernathy in 1960. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1965 and was also ordained as a Deacon and a Trustee at that time. He served faithfully under the leadership of the late and beloved leaders, Bishop J.E. Abernathy, Pastor P.E. Henry, Pastor J.T. Owens, Sr., and until his departure, his beloved residing Pastor, Peter E. Pulliam.
Carl was a totally devoted husband and he loved his wife, Geneva unconditionally. He was an excellant dad to all of his children and he loved his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and everyone who crossed his path.
Carl worked for the railroad and later became a builder, carpenter and electrician. He was a handyman and always willing to help others in their time of need, out of the kindness of his heart. He owned his own business, C.D.D.S. Contractors & Builders. He was the first African American electrician to work in the I.B.E.W. Local 124 Union. He started to work on his apprenticeship in 1980 with the local union in 1980 and was shortly promoted to Journeyman Electrician. Carl received his residential and commercial license and retired in 1999 from I.B.E.W. Local 124. He also worked for J.E. Fischer Electric Company, Sunflower Ammunition, Midland Foods Company and Midland Cold Storage in his earlier life.
Carl departed his life on June 25, 2017 at 10:05 AM. He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters and five brothers.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Geneva of 63 years and 10 months of marriage; four sons and two daughters; Terry (Marva) Stricklen, Sr., Kansas City, David Stricklen, Sr., Kansas City, Don (Anita) Stricklen, Kansas City, Jeanette (Kevin) Lee, Little Elm, TX, Michael Stricklen, Kansas City and Angel Stricklen, Kansas City; 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; one brother, Lee Allen Stricklen, Morrilton, AR; two uncles, Bishop George Thornton, Santa Barbara, CA and James Thornton, Belleville, IL; two sisters-in-law, Lottie Jean (Chester) Martin, Kansas City and LuVersia Monts, Little Rock, AR and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
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