Ronald Dean Strickler

Ronald (Ron) Dean Strickler, age 93, died peacefully in his sleep when his heart stopped early Tuesday, March 17, 2026. His wife, Lynda, and daughter, Patricia, were by his side. Ron was born December 15, 1932, in Hill City, Minnesota. Son of Ardene Jannette Peck Strickler and Henry Stafford Strickler. The family moved to Orlando FL in 1943; they settled in the Lake Holden Shores Community and joined the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Ron attended Grand Avenue Elementary, Cherokee Junior High and graduated from Orlando High School in 1950. He then attended the pre-med program at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, 1950-1952. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and became a Life Loyal Tau 2011 Gold Circle 2011. He was president of the Central Florida ATO Alumni during the Centinel Year. Ron joined the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and earned his Wings of Gold December 18,1953. He joined Fighter Squadron VF-173, the Jesters, and was stationed in Jacksonville, FL until 1956. Ron served in the Navy Reserves, 1956 - 1974, and was Honorably Discharged as a Lieutenant on February 20, 1974. The Jesters remained close friends over the years with many planned reunions. Ron attended the University of Florida, 1956 - 1960, where he met his wife, Lynda Claire Bowles, who was also a student at UF. They were married December 25, 1958, in Orlando, FL. Ron graduated from UF with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering on January 30, 1960. Fifty years later, he became a member of the Grand Guard and Special Gator Boosters Club. After graduation from UF, Ron and Lynda moved to York, PA where Ron was a Staff Engineer with The York Corporation, 1960-1962. Not happy with where York Corp. wanted to move the family, they decided to move back to Orlando, FL to Ron’s old neighborhood on Lake Holden. After their move back to Orlando, Ron was with Ward Air Conditioning from 1962 -72, Munson and Associates from 1972-86, and Mechanical Services until 1988. In 1988, Ron opened his company Precision Heating & Air Conditioning Engineering, Inc. State Certified Air Condition “A” Contractor Engineering. He retired in 2008. Ron was involved in many civic endeavors, including the Jaycees, Rotary Club (22 years perfect attendance), YMCA Century Club (Ron and son Pat were Indian Guides), past member of the Orange County Ol’ Timer’s Men Club, Charter Member of the Citrus Club, and appointed to serve as a member of Lake Holden Advisory Board in 2008 by the Orange County Government. Ron served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. In 2012, Ron chose to remain in the Orlando Presbyterian Church (USA). Ron was in BoyScout Troop 24 in his youth at First Presbyterian Church and continued to progress in the Boy Scout Leadership program. Ron’s most rewarding roles at First Presbyterian Church included his time as Scoutmaster for BoyScout Troop 24, working on the Youth Council, being the Junior and Senior High Advisor, and his fellowship with the Small Group Bible Study who have been together for almost 50 years. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1983, the highest recognition a Scout council can bestow on a volunteer leader. More recently, Ron was a volunteer in MCF Missionary Computer Fellowship until it had to close shop. Members remain close friends. Ron held regional and national Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) licenses and an Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) international license. His car of choice was an Alfa Romeo. He raced at Road Atlanta, Daytona, Sebring and West Palm Beach. His team won first place in Class at Sebring in 1969. Ron belonged to the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and owned a Pitts S-1C Special open cockpit stunt plane that he loved to fly. He settled down to bicycle riding with the Freewheelers, sometimes biking for 50 or 100 mile rides or more. Ron is survived by his wife Lynda; three children, Michael Stafford (Joanne), Patrick Dean, and Patricia Michelle Strickler-Dinglasan (Rhoel); seven grandchildren, David, Daniel (Savannah), James (Ylah), Stephen, Erin, Ava Luisa, and Holden; three great-grandchildren, Skyla, Benjamin, and Maxine; and his niece, Tracy Wilson Tucker (Matt). In 1992, Ron’s birth sister reached out to him, and he enjoyed getting to know his birth family. “Now reach out where even Eagles cannot fly and touch the face of God.” - John Gillespie Magee Jr. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at A Community Funeral Home, 910 West Michigan Street Orlando, FL, 32805 from 4 to 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Russell Home for Atypical Children or to a charity of your choice.

Ronald Dean Strickler

December 15, 1932 - March 17, 2026