Roll Call Tribute

Robert K. Strickland

October 21, 1932 - March 14, 2022

Robert, affectionately known as Beto, departed this life on March 14th, 2022 at age 89 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. He was born in Hamlin, Texas to Oleta Joiner Essary and John Strickland.

Beto was a faithful husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved good conversation and great food, a passion that fueled his delicious cooking. He grew a beautiful garden and was an avid reader, especially of history. He was quick with a sharp wit, much to the chagrin of his family. Beto had a sweet tooth and was particularly fond of pecan pie. He had a keen mind and a generous heart, willing to share his recipes as well as advice to anyone who needed it. His love for the outdoors led him to various road trips throughout the country. His career as a veterinarian took him on travels around the Americas.

As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Health, his professional accomplishments earned him the respect of colleagues where they enjoyed lifelong friendships. Cats were Beto's favorite animal, and helping to control and keep some of the feral feline population was a favorite activity!

Beto and Dora were married in 1988, and together 33 years. He was blessed with a full life and will be missed by his family and cats.

Beto is survived by his wife, Dora; his children, Newal Duncan (Hope), Carole Bates (Rod), Adrienne Augustain (Jaime), Marisa Hambleton (Mike); sisters Margaret and Nancy Essary; his niece Crissi Essary; his grandchildren Amanda Shepherd (Tim), Wade Duncan (Enne), Andrea Mitcheltree (Eric), Jonathan Garcia, David Augustain, Rachel Calhoun, Aaron Calhoun, Serene Augustain, Samuel Augustain, Sara Hambleton, Daniel Hambleton; great-grandchildren Amri and Sawyer Shepherd, Breille and MacKenzie Duncan, Reagan, Duncan, and Riley Mitcheltree, Keaton Yates, Austin Garcia.

He was preceded in death by first wife Annie Ruth Duncan Strickland, daughter Jeri Duncan, and son Kenneth Strickland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Brain Donation Project, or ASPCA. Services entrusted to San Jose Funeral Home East.