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Obituaries

Obituary for Allen Greene Strecker Allen Greene Strecker
Longtime Extension Agent Was Lexington Resident

Allen Greene Strecker, 90, of Lexington, Virginia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital.

Born July 30, 1927 in Teaneck, NJ, he was the son of the late Ralph D. Strecker and Ethel T. Strecker.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his wife, Alice B. Strecker; brothers, Thornton D. Strecker and Leland Strecker; niece, Dana Strecker and nephew, Thornton Strecker, Jr.

Following graduation from Teaneck High School, Al entered the Navy and served in the Navy Air Force during World War II. At the war's conclusion, he attended Rutgers University, receiving both a BS degree in Animal Science and a Masters Degree in Animal Husbandry.

In 1952, he moved to Woodstock, Virginia, where he was employed as a herdsman for Hidden River Farm.

In 1958, Al and his family moved to Chatham, Virginia, where he began his career in Extension, serving as assistant County Agricultural Agent for Pittsylvannia County. In 1963, the family moved to Lexington, where he accepted the position of County Agricultural Agent for Rockbridge County. He enjoyed his work in Extension, making farm visits and helping dairy and livestock producers improve their operations, as well as introducing new agricultural technology to the area, including "no till" corn production. He also assisted with planning and working many Rockbridge County feeder calf sales, initially with sales in Buena Vista and later, combined with Augusta County, at Staunton Union Stockyards.

He enjoyed the comradery and friendship of many Agricultural Agents from surrounding counties. In 1976, he received the National Agricultural Agents Distinguished Service Award and served as a director for the National Association County Agricultural Agents 1979-1980. After 30 years of service in Extension, he retired in 1988. In 2015, he was inducted into the Virginia Agricultural Extension Agents Wall of Fame.

Having shown sheep in the early 1950's for Bill and Tip Trimpi, he developed and always had a special love for sheep. He enjoyed farming, tending to the sheep, and would always have a Border Collie at his side.

He was a faithful member of Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. James Crews, and caregivers Gail Pittsenbarger and Jennifer Showalter.

Surviving are his four sons; Allen Strecker and wife, Kristen of Rockbridge Baths, Ron Strecker of Louisville, KY, Rick Strecker and wife, Beth of Camden, NC, Marty Strecker and wife, Becky of Fairfield; eight grandchildren; Christopher Strecker, Luke Strecker, Bobby Strecker, Will Strecker, Markus Strecker, Scott Strecker, Allison Strecker and Paige Strecker; two nieces; Dessa Strecker of Arizona, Barb Orathbun of New Jersey; and brother in law, Lew "Duke" Baldwin of Lexington.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Al's life will be held Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church, and the family will receive friends at a reception following the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church, 73 Sam Houston Way, Lexington, VA 24450 or Rockbridge Area Hospice, 315 Myers Street, Lexington, VA 24450.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.