William Strike

William "Joe" Strike, 95, died April 27, 2012 at Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born May 22, 1916 in Detroit, MI. He graduated from Welch, West Virginia High School. Colonel Strike achieved the Eagle Scout. Colonel Strike enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps and built fire trails and towers in West Virginia mining communities. He helped build the Audubon State Park in Henderson, Kentucky. At 24, Colonel Strike enlisted in the United States Army. He served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was stationed at a variety of military bases. In 1944, he transferred to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne. He served as a military policeman and was designated to Selective Service. He performed a tour of duty of South America with the "Alliance for Progress" and served in the Canal Zone during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In addition to his other posts, Colonel Strike was stationed at Ft. Ord, California and Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He retired in 1965 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his distinguished military career, he received numerous awards including the Army Commendation Medal in 1945. He served the State of Wyoming as a bank examiner and the Deputy Bank Examiner. He volunteered with Home Away From Home, and served on their Advisory Board. He was the District Governor, a Foundation Fellow, and International Medallion Member with the Civitan Club, past President of the Cheyenne Civitan Club, and member of the Mile High Civitan Club. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Building the Flag Program, the F. E. Warren Air Force Base Museum and Historical Association, and served as a volunteer with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center's Auxiliary. He received numerous local, state, regional, national and international awards. Colonel Strike was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, National Sojourners, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, 32nd Degree, Low 12, Master Mason of Acacia Lodge No. 11, Moose International, Veteran of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. He was preceded by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Jenkins Strike; parents, Jack and Lillian Strike; brothers John and Charles Strike; sister, Dorothy Carte; and son in law, Ken Katko He is survived by daughters, JoAnne Katko of Warrenton, MO, Judith Strike of Meridian, ID and Jeanne (Christian) Thobro of Laramie; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brother, George Strike, of Bluefield, Virginia; numerous nieces and nephews and two granddogs. Memorials may be sent to the F. E. Warren AFB Historical Museum, Cheyenne Animal Shelter, or Mile High Civitan Club. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church with interment following in Beth El Cemetery.

Service

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 10:00am

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

1908 Central

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Visitation

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Schrader Funeral Home

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Interment

Beth El Cemetery

Pershing and Seymour Ave.

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Reception

St. Mark's Epicopal Church

1908 Central

CHEYENNE, WY