Byron J. Stricker, 70, of Tamaroa, passed away at 6:25 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at his residence.
Byron started teaching and coaching at Tamaroa in 1972. He then transferred to Pinckneyville High School, where he retired.
He was of the Methodist faith. Byron was a 1967 graduate of Okawville Community High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1971 from Eastern Illinois University and worked on his master's degree at Southern Illinois University.
Byron was a member of the Tamaroa City Council for 16 years and the Tamaroa Fire District Board for five years. He was a 40-year member of the Tamaroa Masonic Lodge. Byron was also a member of the Black Knight Drum and Bugle Corps.
He was born Nov. 15, 1949 at Belleville, Illinois, the son of Jacob and Lillian Idabelle (Lietz) Stricker.
He married Cheryl Meentemeyer on Aug. 5, 1972 at the First United Methodist Church in Okawville and she survives.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of Tamaroa; two daughters, Renee Frazier of Tamaroa and Lori (Brandon) Mohr of Pinckneyville; three grandchildren, Kayla Valentine, Riley Mohr and Sydney Mohr; one brother, Roger (Marilyn) Stricker of Okawville; and two nieces, Stephanie Krzich and Jennifer Cragen.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa, with the Rev. Donald Meeks officiating.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa, where a Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m.
Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Okawville.
Friends may make memorials to the family, which will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
