This obituary includes a flag, indicating military service, and labeled “Army WW 1.”

“HAPPY” STRICKLETT DIED TUESDAY AFTERNOON (veteran)

Gail E. Stricklett, known to everyone as “Happy” Stricklett, died at his home at 534 North 16th street Tuesday afternoon. Stricklett, a World War I veteran and a loyal member of local patriotic organizations, had a wide acquaintance in this area.

“Hap” was born at Blair July 27, 1895, and would have been 78 years of age had he lived until the 27th of this month. He was the son of Will and Mary Stricklett, early-day settlers of the Blair area.

His wife died within the past year and he has no other local survivors except a stepdaughter, Stella Mae Wendt, of Blair.

He served in the Armed Forces during World War I and saw service overseas. He entered service in the Infantry on April 25, 1918, and served in Company C of the 341st Military Gun Battalion. He received a Gold Service Chevron and a gold Would Chevron and a Victory Medal. He was discharged June 22, 1919.

Upon returning from the Service, he took an active interest in Veterans Organizations. He was very active in the affairs of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A good conversationalist, and a man who had an excellent sense of humor, he decided to write a book about his experiences in the army. He named the book “The Dud” referring to the army term which depicted a shell which would not fire. The Dud was spiced with humor and recalled the experiences of army life for those ex-service men who read it. Hap sold a number of copies and became well known for his efforts. It was his only effort as a writer, although he frequently (as a young man) penned rather pithy letters to the editors of the local newspapers.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at the Campbell Mortuary at 2 P.M. The Rev. Gary Warrick of Wahoo, will conduct the service. Burial will be made in the Blair cemetery with the firing squad of the American Legion taking part in graveside services.

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave #75277696