Tom Strickland was born October 27, 1956 in Cheyenne, OK to Patsy Sue (Mogg) and Billy Ross Strickland. Following high school Tom attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University and Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelors of Science degree and later earned his Master's degree at Oklahoma University. Tom's passion was education; he aspired his students to aim high and then reach higher. He began his long and successful career as an educator as an Ag teacher in Alex, OK. He later was high school principal in Walters, OK. He served as high school superintendent in both Freedom, OK and Inola, OK before he retired from education in 2002. Tom cared about people; he was always giving advice and always had the right words to say. He never cared about a person's last name. In any endeavor, if there was a need for a plan, there was never a doubt he would come up with the right idea. Following retirement Tom continued his success in business through many ventures, most recently with his wife, Tina, in their business in Inola, OK. He recently attended and became a member of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering. There is no doubt that Tom touched many lives and was respected by all, but his biggest success was being a husband and dad; his wife and kids were his everything, and he loved spending time with family and friends. Some of his favorite activities included being on the lake, vacationing at the beach, going to auctions, attending livestock shows with his family and coaching his sons in baseball. To not like Tom Strickland would be to not know him. Tom departed this life on Monday, March 2, 2015, in Wagoner, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Ross and Patsy Sue Strickland; an infant baby brother; and two brothers-in-law, Davy Baude and Jimmy Baude. His loving family who survive him will miss Tom dearly. He was husband to Tina Strickland; father to Kylie Price, Colton Strickland and Kellen Strickland; brother to Jerry Strickland and his wife, Bonnie; son-in-law to Lou Baude; brother-in-law to Michael Baude; uncle to many nieces and nephews and a friend to many. The funeral service will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015 at the Performing Arts Center at Wagoner High School. Pastor Jim Bryant will officiate. Pallbearers will include Ben Freeny, Knotchie McCrary, Willy Neighbors, Glen Earl Troyer, Jeff Potts, Brandon Hammack, Terry Hughes and Cleve Rorex. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Storm baseball team. Interment will be in Pioneer Cemetery in Wagoner, OK.