Thomas S. “Tom” Strawbridge died peacefully of natural causes Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at Amberwood Care Center in Rockford. The son of L. R. “Bud” Strawbridge and Isla (Whitsell) Strawbridge, Tom was born March 21, 1952 in DeKalb.
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ROCKFORD — Thomas S. “Tom” Strawbridge died peacefully of natural causes Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at Amberwood Care Center in Rockford. The son of L. R. “Bud” Strawbridge and Isla (Whitsell) Strawbridge, Tom was born March 21, 1952 in DeKalb.
Tom attended grade school in Rochelle and high school in Oregon. He enlisted in the US Army on Nov. 9, 1969 and was stationed at Kaiserslautern, Germany where he served as a supply clerk. He was honorably discharged in 1972. “Pops”, as he was known to his wide circle of friends, enjoyed a variety of jobs but identified most affectionately his years as a bartender, barber, insurance agent, car salesman, and restaurateur. He never met a stranger and relished his connections with people.
Surviving are his son, Christopher “Kit” (Julie) Strawbridge of High Point, North Carolina; grandsons, Joshua (Alex) Burcham and Jarred (Kenzie) Burcham and great-granddaughter, Averie. Also, surviving are sisters Linda R. Daub of Chana, Donna (Tom) Heid of Cape Haze, Florida and Aunt Marjorie (Strawbridge) Gregory of Cottonwood, Arizona as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who cared. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Darrell Daub; niece, Angela Daub-Bergstrom and significant other, Debra Matheny.
At Tom’s wishes, cremation was accorded. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Castle Rock State Park in Oregon on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at noon. Anyone who has stories, pictures or laughs to share is welcome to come. Bring your own refreshments and a lawn chair.