Douglas Kevin Strickland, 58, of Oklahoma City passed away May 4th. He was born in Johanesburg, South Africa on June 28th, 1952 to Fannie Kate and Charles Henry Strickland. The Strickland family lived in South Africa as missionaries for the Nazarene church until 1964 when they moved to Colorado Springs where he met and married Barbara Horner in 1972. Doug obtained his Bachelors in Geology at the University of Southern Colorado in 1973 and his Masters in Geology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1975, where he received an Outstanding Student Award in 1974. His doctoral work was done at the University of Kansas from 1976-1978. A long time resident of Oklahoma City, Doug spent the last 5 years in Michigan working for Wolverine Gas and Oil and his own company, Jayden Consulting. Doug returned to Oklahoma City last year to be closer to his children. Doug and Barb also previously resided in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Lawrence, Kansas. Doug worked as a Geologist for a number of companies through the years including Chevron, W.R. Grace, and Wolverine Gas and Oil. He also owned several of his own companies including Manitou Resources, Jayden Consulting, and Red Rock Resources. Doug was sought after for dozens of talks in the industry through the years and was invited to publish articles through several State and National Geological Societies. At the young age of 28, Doug became the Vice President and Officer of W.R. Grace Petroleum. Recent awards include the Outstanding Explorer of the Year Award by the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists in 2005. In 2010 he was named by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists as one of the top 100 geologists who have made a significant difference in oil and gas. In March of this year Doug was named the Explorer of the Year by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Through his career Doug was responsible for many gas and oil discoveries but perhaps the most notable was Covenant Field, Utah, holding over 100 million barrels, and producing over 5,000 barrels a day with over 20 wells running. Doug had many hobbies and interests through the years. His love for Native American culture was well known and many of you may think the teepee that dad loved so much. Doug loved history and especially the Civil War, World War II, and the Titanic. He had an eclectic assortment of items from different Indian tribes, World Wars and the like that he displayed with care in his home and office through the years. Doug loved to fish, especially with his sons. He loved old cars, classic rock, camping, boating, and photography. Despite many an injury Doug was determined to indulge in his love for motorcycles, both off road and street bikes. Doug had a loving and compassionate heart. He would help anyone who needed it. He was active at Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene for many years. He had a heart for world missions and for those suffering closer to home. He taught his children that giving is much more rewarding then receiving. He was active in AA and he dedicated a big part of his life to the recovery of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Doug is survived by Barbara Strickland, and children Angela Strickland and husband Jimmy Frittz, Jason Strickland and wife Robin, Colin Strickland, and Paul Strickland. He has two granddaughters, Abby and Allison Frittz. Jason and Robin are expecting his first grandson in a few weeks. Other family includes his brother Wayne Strickland and wife Beverly and Dougs twin brother, Dudley Strickland and wife Jackie as well as their children and grandchildren. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Fannie Strickland, and his oldest brother Bud Strickland. Services will be held at 10am Monday, May 9, 2011 at Mercer Adams, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany, OK.