Edward L. “Ed” Stricker, age 86, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1965, passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 at home. Ed was born on December 13, 1930 in Cairo, Illinois to the late Edward and Helen Louise (White) Stricker. He was a 1948 graduate of Madison High School. He married the love of his life, Billie Jo Williams, on February 16, 1954 in Centralia, Illinois.

As a pilot in the United States Air Force flying a variety of aircraft, Ed served in numerous assignments in the United States and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After 21 years of service he retired in Colorado Springs. He continued his love of the aviation world and served as the Assistant Director and ultimately Director of the Colorado Springs Airport for over 20 years.

Ed loved his family and spent time with them camping, hiking, and fishing in the Colorado Rockies that he loved so much. He enjoyed skiing with his kids and was an avid Denver Broncos and Air Force Academy Falcons fan. With his wife, Jo, he traveled the US in their motorhome for over 10 years enjoying the people and places from coast to coast. Numerous retirement years were spent with Jo wintering in Arizona. He loved this country, was proud of his service in the Air Force and continued to support and honor military organizations his entire life.

Ed will be remembered for his love of family and was called “Papa” by his seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was kind and caring, never a complainer, and always the first to offer help of any kind when needed. He enjoyed researching his family history and had an amazing memory for people and places, and events in his life.

He is survived by his son, David (“Strick”) of Colorado Springs; daughter, Debbie (husband, Randy) Mathis of Colorado Springs; son, Mark (wife Dawn) Stricker of Tucson, Arizona; and brothers: Chuck Stricker of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Jim Stricker of Springfield, Illinois. Ed has seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo, who he is now spending eternity with.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials in Ed’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors or Disabled Veterans.

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