Verlon Strickland

Verlon Gene Strickland, 75, of Abilene, passed away on August 11, 2024, in Abilene after a short illness and complications of pancreatic cancer.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 -8 pm, August 21, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Thursday, August 22, at Beltway Park South – Chapel, with Randy Turner, of Beltway, officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Verlon Strickland was born in Abilene, TX, to Walter “Strick” and Billie Strickland on February 22, 1949. He graduated from Wylie High School and received his Bachelor of Psychology from Abilene Christian University (Abilene Christian College). He worked for Abilene State School and then transferred to Texas Rehabilitation Commission, where he worked as a counselor for about 30 years, until his retirement. He married Jan Young Strickland on December 29, 1994, and was happily married until his death. Verlon had a passion for sports, particularly golf and football. He absolutely loved coaching his grandson in golf and watching his other grandson play basketball. He loved hosting friends out in his “man cave” to watch the Cowboys lose, as well as PGA golf and Maverick basketball. He loved The University of Texas as well. He was the most loving and giving spirit.

Verlon was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bernie and wife, Debra Strickland, and a few dear cousins.

Verlon is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jan Strickland, daughter, Kelly Barkan and husband Dave, of Boston, son, Matthew Strickland, of Portland, stepdaughters, Sheri Bearden and husband Kevin, of Lubbock and Kristi Brock, of Abilene. Grandchildren are Kadra Bearden, Maddox Brock, River Brock, Avery Barkan, and Zoe Barkan, and niece Courtney Young and husband Ryan, of Abilene. He is also survived by the mother of Kelly and Matthew, Jeanene Strickland.

Pallbearers will be David Raughton, Maddox Brock, River Brock, David Barkan, Austin Knight, Blake Knight, Ryan Young, and Logan Smith.

Honorary pallbearers are Mike Raughton, Allen Wayne Raughton, Greg Knight, Jacky Jackson, Bill Tittle, John Stowe, and Oren McGrew.

Memorials may be given to Beltway Park Church, American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice. The family of Verlon would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Edwards, Dr. Melnyk, and Dr. Smith, of Hendrick Medical Center, and all of the nurses from C6 and ICU. Thank you for taking care of such a special man!