Franklin "Buddy"

Strickland

Franklin Marland "Buddy" Strickland entered his eternal life to be home with the Lord on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.  He entered this life on December 11, 1934, to John and Agnes Strickland in OKC.  Buddy served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959 and he married his lifelong love, Betty Louise Kern, on November 11, 1960, in Oklahoma City.

Buddy pastored churches for the BMA Missionary Association of America in Norman, Oklahoma; in Spring Creek, Arkansas; in Cleveland, Mississippi; in Henderson, Texas; in Bethany, Oklahoma; and in Newcastle, Oklahoma.  He became an elder at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Blanchard during his retirement years.

Known by the congregations he faithfully served as "Brother Buddy", Buddy devoted his life to his Savior and to loving and serving others.  He adopted every church family he served as his own.  He loved to teach, to sing hymns and to laugh.  Buddy loved old westerns on TV and OU sports – he was "Sooner born and Sooner bred" through and through.  He was also a very proud member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and John, and by his sister, Jo Ann.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 62 years, Betty; his daughter, Kay Lynn Hale and husband Steve of Norman, Oklahoma; his son, Tony of Blanchard; one grandchild, Tori Hale; many beloved nephews and nieces and many, many church family members and friends.

Services for Buddy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Blanchard.  Interment to follow at Blanchard Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home, Blanchard, Oklahoma.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com .

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Blanchard.