Alan Strickland

Some people spend their lives trying to be impressive. Alan Strickland spent his life making other people feel important.

 

Alan was born November 3, 1959, at North Kansas City Hospital to James and Virginia (Wake) Strickland. He died September 12, 2026, at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri. He lived most of his life in West Plains, attended Richards School, and graduated from West Plains High School in 1978.

 

For many who knew him, Alan and bluegrass music were inseparable. He began playing music as a teenager, first on mandolin and guitar before finding his way to the banjo. He played with Izard County Bluegrass, The Strickland Family, and Bluegrass Attack before forming First Impression in 1987. In recent years Alan also enjoyed playing and traveling with Stringed Union Bluegrass Band. He was an active volunteer and board member of the Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association, where he shared his love of bluegrass, formed lasting friendships, and helped pass the tradition to another generation.

 

Alan is survived by his wife, Evanel, for twenty-six years with whom he shared many adventures. Carrying Alan's legacy of life, love, laughter, and music forward are his daughter, Jennifer and husband Tony; his sons, Jason "JT" and wife Shannon and Nathan and wife Brandi; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Allie and husband Blake, Gavin, Merek, Caysen, Brookelyn, Jensen, Micah, and Avalee; and his great-grandson, Colton. They join an extended family of relatives, friends, fellow musicians, students, and community members whose lives are better because Alan was part of them.

 

A memorial potluck and jam will be held on September 27, at the Heart of the Ozarks (HOBA) Bluegrass Park from 11am - 3pm. Casual attire. Bring a potluck dish, lawn chair, and instruments as we gather to celebrate Alan Strickland.

 

Arrangements by Always Faithful Memorial Services, West Plains, Missouri.