Bobby Darwyn Strickland

Joe Darwyn Strickland-known by most friends and close family as Bobby, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, unexpectedly after heart surgery at the Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas. He was surrounded by his family and close friends. He was born December 3, 1948, in Dallas, Texas.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Candy Walker Strickland of Colleyville, Texas; his son, Keith Strickland and wife, Jennifer of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; his daughter, Lindsay Turman and husband Rod of Celina, Texas; his stepdaughter, Ashley Atkinson and husband Zach of Colleyville, Texas. Bobby also leaves behind his brother, Philip Strickland and wife, Marjie of New Boston, Texas.

Bobby was blessed with many grandchildren, Kade Strickland, Kylee Strickland, Sydney Turman, Bentley Turman, Lincoln Turman, Hallie Posey, Jacob Hall, Landry Atkinson, Gage Atkinson, Jade Atkinson, Jolie Atkinson and nephew, Alan Strickland; and niece, Melinda Strickland and many cousins.

Bobby is predeceased by his father, Darwyn Strickland and his mother, Jo Morgan Strickland Mathis.

Bobby was born in Dallas, Texas and lived in Garland, Texas through third grade and moved to Hughes Springs, Texas in the 5th grade. He excelled in all sports in high school and graduated in 1967 from Hughes Springs High School. He went to Tyler Junior College and played football until he injured his knee and quit after one semester.

Bobby was drafted by the Army in 1968 and after initial training was sent directly to Vietnam. He was attached to the 82nd Airborne as a platoon leader and served bravely in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He received many medals, including 3 Purple Hearts. He carried a heavy burden of protecting the new troops after an ambush that wounded 10 and two were KIA. He was honorably discharged December 1, 1969, two days before his 21st birthday. He struggled with knowing that he came home and many did not.

He continued his education on the GI Bill at Texas A&M University and was featured in The Texas Aggie Magazine, February, 1973 honoring veterans who return to college. He is a proud graduate of the class of 1973. He also earned a Masters Degree from Texas A&M, Texarkana 2005.

Bobby spent 20 years teaching math and coaching all around Texas, the longest in Jefferson, Texas. His Head Coach at Jefferson High School, and dear friend, was Jerry Bennett, who died in May 2025. I am sure they are having some robust football conversations! Never one to sit still, he also worked in the oilfield business, pipeline business and Cox Logistics.

He loved playing golf at the Daingerfield Country Club, riding the back roads with great friends, watching Texas A&M football, and helping anyone that needed something done. Bobby was a kind soul who loved his family and was loved dearly in return.

After he moved to Colleyville, Texas, he and Candy enjoyed watching the grandchildren participate in all the things they loved and taking road trips.

He was very involved with his church group and volunteered in many areas. He considered his Connect Group as a second family. He was the official planner for the Men’s Breakfast and Lunch group and loved playing dominos and cards at class parties. He was known for making spreadsheets for every sporting event and he expected them to be filled out and turned in to him weekly. March Madness was his favorite!

His family and friends are saddened by the sudden loss of this quiet, steady as a rock man, but we find great joy from John 14:2-In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 22, 2026 at 3:00 at The Daingerfield Country Club for his family and friends in East Texas.

A Military Honor Committal graveside service will be held at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery,

2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75211 at a later date.

A Remembrance Service for Bobby will be held at Cross Creek Church in Colleyville, Texas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cross Creek Church Building Fund.

5300 Colleyville Blvd.

Colleyville, Texas 76034

RE: Bobby Strickland

www.crosscreekchurch.com