Obituary of Nolan Stroup

Stroup, Nolan Jefferson, 87 Nolan Jefferson (Jeff) Stroup, 87, passed away on August 6, 2009 at the home of his son in Reddick, FL. Born on a farm near Kempton, Indiana on December 13, 1921, he was the youngest son of ten children to the late John and Rachel White Stroup. After graduating from West Middleton High School with the class of 1939, he was employed with Continental Steel in Kokomo until World War II. During World War II he served with General Patton's 3rd Army in Germany and France, where he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart. He was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and served as Commander of Chapter 69. He came to Lowell, Florida in 1947, and worked for Berry Gas Service as office manager for many years. In 1957, he moved to Reddick where he was involved in the monument business for many years and was the owner of Stroup Memorial Monuments. He lived a life of service, serving on the Reddick Town Council for 35 years, including the last sixteen as Mayor. Jeff was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star in Micanopy. He was the treasurer of the North Marion Volunteer Fire Department, charter member and Treasurer of the North Marion Lions Club, treasurer of the Millwood Cemetery Association, and longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Reddick, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer for thirty-eight years. He began working as a member of the chain crew in the fall of 1954 for the old Reddick High School Terriers and remained a loyal member of the chain crew for the next forty-four years after the school was renamed North Marion High School. He was a charter member of the North Marion Booster Club which started in 1974 and is one of the last living members of the volunteer group which built Stan Toole Memorial Stadium. He was forced to give up active participation due to failing health, but remained a loyal fan and supporter of the Colts and could be seen in his wheelchair down on the track at the south end of the stadium during football season. Mr. Stroup is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-six years, Jeanne B. Stroup. He is survived by his sister Betty Kirkendall of Kokomo, Indiana and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Bailey also of Kokomo, Indiana, a son, James/Margie Stroup, two daughters, Jacquie/Tommy Joyner and Janice Polk all of Reddick, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Reddick, August 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Alan Jefferson and Rev. Debi Jensen-Short officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 AM at the church. Arrangements by Hiers Funeral Home, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470.