DeJuan Strickland (Onida, SD)
DeJuan Strickland, 89, of Onida, SD, died on Monday, October 16, 2023. Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Floydada Cemetery.
DeJuan was born near Lockney, Texas on April 14, 1934. He was the firstborn of William Clarence Strickland and Eddie Viola Hammit Strickland. His beloved sister, Sharinne Anne Strickland followed in 1936.
DeJuan was raised on the family farm outside of Lockney and helped his parents establish a successful farm on the Floyd and Briscoe County Line. He attended Lockney schools and was a varsity member of the Lockney High School football team as a running back. DeJuan graduated in 1950.
At age 16, without parental knowledge or consent, DeJuan purchased a Piper Cub and took flying lessons. Clarence and Eddie were informed of his acquisition when he landed the airplane in the cow pasture near the Lone Star, Texas homestead and taxied up to the front of the house. That began a lifelong love of flying.
In 1951, DeJuan saw an opportunity to expand the Strickland family farming operation to South Dakota. The Stricklands purchased Day Place near Onida, South Dakota in 1952 and the family began farming there and continued in West Texas. Both he and his father Clarence were initial shareholders of the Oahe Elevator in Onida. DeJuan always enjoyed the family trips to the Black Hills after harvest.
DeJuan entered the U.S. Army in 1956 and was stationed in New Jersey and Connecticut. He was a member of the 741st Missile Battalion. The book, “Rally Round The Flag, Boys,” was written about them and the Broadway production soon followed. His sister Sharinne lived in New York City at the time, and they were able to visit often.
After his military service, DeJuan returned to West Texas and South Dakota and continued farming. He met Judy Graham of Plainview, Texas, and married in 1962. Born of the marriage were Michael, Kären, and Deidi.
The Strickland farming operation continued and expanded in Texas and South Dakota. Michael, Kären, and Deidi graduated from Sully Buttes High School in Onida and went on to become medical doctors and teachers.
DeJuan continued farming until he passed away. He lived on the Strickland Family Homestead near Onida, South Dakota, and in Ft. Worth, Texas, in recent years.
DeJuan is survived by his son, Michael DeJuan Strickland, MD (wife Dr. Gina Melink) of Hillsboro, OH, his daughter Kären Gayle Lee (husband David Lee) of Fort Worth, TX, son-in-law Trönd Bergestüen of Fort Worth, grandchildren: Kaitlyn Strickland, Austin Strickland, Caroline Jones, Madeleine Jones, Silje Bergestüen, and Hannah Bergestüen, step-grandchildren: Dr. Bill Knight, Dr. Ryan Knight, and Dr. Andrew Knight, and his long time companion Delia Salazar. He is also survived by nephew James Russell McGregor, niece Michelle McGregor-Smith both of Pittsburg, PA, and their respective children Samantha, James, and Morgan.
DeJuan was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sharinne, and his daughter Deidi Berestüen, MD PhD.
