Graveside services for Daryl R. “Doc” Strader were held Aug. 1 at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor, with Cmdr. Fred Renfroe, CHC, USN, officiating. Whidbey Island Naval Air Station’s Honor Guard and Oak Harbor Police Department provided funeral honors.

Daryl Russell Strader died July 28, 2003, at his home in Oak Harbor. He was 81. He was born Oct. 1, 1921, in Irrigon, Ore., to Frank Edward and Esther Graybeal (Thurner) Strader. He was raised in Irrigon, near Hermiston and Cascade Locks, near The Dalles, Oregon. Daryl joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression and worked on construction of Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks.

Daryl Strader joined the U.S. Navy in October of 1940. During World War II he was assigned to the aircrew of VPB-52, the Black Cat squadron, flying aboard the PBY Catalina seaplanes. “Doc” served as flight engineer for much of his military career. He was married Jan. 10, 1945, to Celeste Delight Coe in Vancouver. They were happily married for 56 years.

Doc retired June 1, 1960, at NAS Seattle as an ADC (E-7) with 20 years of military service. Following retirement, he was employed at NAS Whidbey by McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Company as a field representative. On June 1, 1960, Doc began a second career, that of law enforcement. He was hired by the city of Oak Harbor to work as a police officer. He began as a patrolman. Doc worked his way up through the ranks and on Feb. 10, 1979, retired as captain.

Doc Strader attended Whidbey Presbyterian Church of Oak Harbor. He was a member of the Chief Petty Officers Association, PBY Memorial Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Whitehead-Muzzall Post 7392, and Navy League of the United States.

Doc Strader loved hunting and fishing. He and Celeste commercial fished at Neah Bay and LaPush for several years. He had a special hunting cabin near Goldendale where he spent many wonderful days with special friends and family.

Daryl Strader is survived by four children and their spouses: Daryla and Charles Extine of Renton; Pamela Kennedy of Oak Harbor; Mark and Donna Strader of Lynnwood; and Jana Palmer of Oak Harbor. One brother, Rick Strader of Madras, Ore., and one sister, Gayanne Thompson of Culver, Ore., survive him. Seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive. His wife Celeste Strader and two brothers, Dennis and David Strader, preceded him in death.

Memorials may be made to PBY Memorial Association, P.O. Box 941, Oak Harbor WA 98277-0941. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.