Obituary of Philip Leighton Strader

PHILIP LEIGHTON STRADER Philip Leighton Strader, 92, passed peacefully on June 30, 2013. His wife of 65 years, Martha Black Strader survives. He was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Strader. A brother, Ludwell Strader and a daughter, Catherine Strader McGehee. He is survived by two daughters, Sarah Strader Schaeffer of Harrisonburg and Jeanne "Gigi" Strader Davis of Cape Charles and son-in-laws, Roger Davis and Cleve McGehee. He has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren; six nephews and six nieces. He was born September 10, 1920 in Pig Point, VA. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Abram Strader. His childhood was spent in Huntington, WVA. Mr. Strader was a WW II veteran holding the rank of Col. of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He flew 146 air combat missions as a dive-bomber pilot against the Japanese forces in the South Pacific. He flew with the likes of Charles Lindbergh and Brian Keith. Among other medals of honor, he was recognized with two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 13 Gold Stars. He was a long time resident of Lynchburg. Mr. Strader was a respected businessman and owner of Strader & Co., a deacon at First Presbyterian Church. A local celebrity chef, an avid gardner and a regular volunteer at Daily Bread. He attended Hampton Sydney College before enlisting in military service. A Memorial Service will be held in the Weissert Chapel of Westminster Canterbury at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2013 with Dr. James J. H. Price officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception to follow in the Hume Room of Westminster Canterbury. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to: Daily Bread, 721 Clay St., Lynchburg, Va, 24504 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to diuguidfuneralservice.com