David "Dave" Strickland

David “Dave” Strickland, 74, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 in Canadian.

No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Dave was born on January 7, 1952, in Waco, Texas, to Herbert and Hortensia Strickland. He graduated from Waco High School in 1970. During his high school years, Dave developed an interest in journalism and enjoyed being a member of the school newspaper staff. Following graduation, he worked a variety of jobs before spending most of his adult life as a process server, working with numerous attorneys over the years.

In 2021, Dave moved to Canadian, a community that quickly became home. It was in Canadian that he married his wife, Delynne Strickland, and opened his barber shop, Uncle Dave the Barber. Over the years, Dave heard plenty of stories from those who sat in his chair, but he always lived by one simple rule: “What happened at the barber shop stayed at the barber shop.”

Dave came to know many people throughout Canadian and genuinely enjoyed visiting with friends, customers, and members of the community. To many, however, he will always be remembered simply as “Santa Claus.” Dave loved playing Santa in the Canadian Christmas Parade and took special joy in bringing the magic of Christmas to children. Whether he was sharing stories with children at the library or visiting homes throughout the community dressed as Santa, seeing the excitement and wonder in their eyes meant a great deal to him.

Dave had a kind heart and a genuine love for people. Whether he was behind the barber chair, visiting with friends around town, or bringing smiles to children as Santa, he found joy in connecting with others. He touched many lives during his years in Canadian and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Delynne of the home; two daughters, Cassie Strickland of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Dara Dunn and husband Shawn Coleman of Follett; four grandchildren, Atticus Davis of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Lana Feil and husband Jonathan of Fargo, Oklahoma, Jose Rodolfo Sias of Amarillo, and Andrea Jasmyne Sias of Canadian; and brother, Bobby Strickland of Waco; numerous extended family members and friends.