Donald L. Striker

Donald L. Striker, 86, died peacefully Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Mill Creek Nursing in Galion after months of failing health.

He was born in Crawford County on December 20, 1937 to the late George and Ruth (Scott) Striker. He grew up making mischief with his siblings on the family farm and graduated in 1956 from Sulphur Springs High School where he played baseball and was the basketball team manager. Don worked for The Timken Co. for 39 years and 2 months. After retiring, he was the Woodlawn Methodist Church custodian and helped operate the Belle Hoffman Michael Home.

Don met Dixie Stinehelfer at Freddie’s when their mutual friend set them up, and they married August 23, 1959. Don was seldom seen apart from Dixie. He loved being her companion, partner, caregiver, and taste tester for nearly 65 years of marriage until her death on June 7 of this year.

Don will be remembered for his volunteerism, as a man who got things done, and truly being a difference maker. He was a charter member in 1971 of the Colonel Crawford Lions Club, serving in every office except treasurer. The Lions Club allowed him and Dixie to do a great deal of travel with visits to England being especially memorable. He was active in the Colonel Crawford community as past president of the PTO, booster club, band parents, and member of the school board for four years. He attended most of the school’s athletic events and all basketball games. Don was an active member of Woodlawn Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school, was Sunday School Superintendent, helped decorate, serve meals, and was the primary point of contact for anything having to so with the church.

Don also volunteered for the American Cancer Society, enjoyed an occasional round of golf, classic cars, and especially loved any opportunity to be around his grandchildren, following their activities and taking them out to dinner and to the store for a special treat on their birthday.

Don is survived by children, David (Kathy) Striker, Dan (Sonja) Striker, and Lori (Walter) McNabb; grandchildren, Valerie (Steve) Pokorny, Kristin (Paul) Weisheit, Sarah (Aaron) Paynter, Michael (Gabby) Striker, Sister Cordis Jesu (Elizabeth Striker); Steve (Aliza) McNabb, Laura (Joshua) Peeples, Joe (Tiffany) Powers, Nick (Elizabeth) Powers, and Adam (Amber) Powers; 24 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; brothers, Doyle (Peg) Striker and Rich (Sonja) Striker; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents and wife Dixie, Don was preceded in death by a great granddaughter and siblings, Wilma Jane Raby, Pauline Eichelberger, Esther Ferguson, Ernest Striker, Melda “Toad” Dietz, Jake Striker, Robert “Buddy” Striker, and Pat Sherman.

On Thursday, September 26 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus, a Lions Club Ceremony will begin at 4:30 pm and Don’s family will receive friends from 5-8 pm. His funeral will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Methodist Church with Pastor Sean McLeod officiating. Don will be laid to rest privately in Whetstone Cemetery.

Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to Col. Crawford Lions Club or Woodlawn Methodist Church and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.