Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Has it really been 42 years since you parted this earth? I was 16 then and your children were very small. I remember watching the news over and over in disbelief. You and I were the only two dark headed, dark eyed grandchildren on the Stroud side and I felt we were extra special because of it. You served in Vietnam, made it home and served your community, you gave it all! Your memory will be forever etched in my heart.

Lora Ruble Goodin
Cousin

September 10, 2020

Our paths crossed in 1973. My best friend Angie fell in love with you, head over heels. We were living on Cole blvd. with her Mom. Angie was looking for love and you were starting over. She had lost her father. We both worked for AT&T. I was dating Seth Singer, a local. Your smile was something Angie loved and she fell hard and quick. You were a go getter and worked hard for your advancement in life. I admired that and we were all young and trying so hard to find our dreams. After a short time I left to pursue my future. I know you married Angie. I was working at Noah’s Ark Restaurant when I met the girl you eventually married, after Angie and you divorced. We were waiting tables at the restaurant together on different shifts. Your life was cut short so unfairly. I always felt your desire to answer the call on demand and willingness to go the extra mile without being asked was why it happened. We only crossed paths briefly because we loved the same girl, Angie. She was my best friend and you both were people helping others before yourselves. She’s gone now too. We were able to hook up in South Fl some years back. My hope in detailing this is that your children can know you payed it forward never letting others down. RIP Gary

Chris Carder
Friend

May 15, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Stroud.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

October 24, 2017

I knew Gary when I dated his brother-in-law (Mark Murphy) back when we were in high school. I will never forget his kindness and happy personality.

Anonymous
None

July 17, 2017

Thank you for your post John Haseltine. The man who killed our dad did die in prison. When I heard the news, I cried. Not because I felt any sympathy for this murderer, but for the fact that in a way, that part was finally over. Our dad can really rest in peace now.

Heather Stroud Long
Daughter

May 15, 2017

I have recently received news that the killer has died in prison after serving more than 49 years of his sentence. I believe that justice has been served.
To Officer Stroud, thank you so much for serving in our law enforcement and my prayers be with your family.

John Haseltine - Civilian

December 20, 2016

Gary was one of my best friends as we worked for the St.Charles P.D. As rookies together..we had some great undercover details and shared our deepest secrets and concerns. I worked with Gary the night he was gunned down..as it was I was on one call as he got the call man with gun at a local bar...Gary arrived..Davis saw him and fled in his car..Gary gave pursuit and I left my burglary..call..I heard a shot over the radio..minutes later heard Dave say..officer down..officer shot...I caught and arrested Davis after he fled and struck a telephone and hid in bushes..he resisted we fought..he sustained head injuries..I took him to St. Joseph's Hospital..on arrival an ambulance arrive the same time..the paramedics took Gary out on a stretcher...only then did it sink in my best friend was in critical condition..No one wants to believe their best friend is really in bad shape....I turned Davis over to Rodney and went into the cubical with Gary and held his hand as doctors were trying their best to save him..moments later I said Gary I love you and always will miss you...today I found this site by accident and I say again Gary I love and miss you..I also say he was a great police officer and family man....and he was a patriot who gave his life and made the ultimate sacrifice !
I also say to you Gary....God bless you and may you be in peace with him!

Retired Police Detective Ernest Sutton S
St. Charles City P.D. Best Friend

February 6, 2014

Officer Stroud - I never met you, but I've met your son, Tim Stroud, and I wanted to say he's an amazing man who carries 'Service, Honor and Commitment" to the highest levels. He shared your story today with all his friends - may you rest in peace knowing that your son has turned out to be one the 'good guys'.

Terri Armstrong
friend of the family

October 24, 2013

Hi grandpa, I never got to meet you but I would have loved it. My father has told amazing stories about you and I am sure you were a nice guy. May you look down on our future, love your granddaughter Amber.
Rest in Peace.

Student Amber
Granddaughter (of Gary)

August 30, 2013

Gary trained me in to become an MP at Fort Riley, KS in 1974.
We also worked installing chain link fences in our off-time. We came to be best friends. He lived in Killeen with his wife, Lynnette and children Tim and Heather. His sister Sandi and her daughter Kimberly came to live with them in May of '74.
Sandi would become my wife and Kimberly my daughter a year later. Gary was one of the most GIVING people I ever knew. You are sorely missed, Gary and I think of you often.

Timothy A Bachmeyer
Brother In Law

February 6, 2013

Tim and Heather,
You don't remember me, but I was best friend with your Dad at Ft. Riley, KS. I married Sandy, your dads' sister. We had 2 kids.....Kim (who you guys lived with in 1974) and Tim who was born in 1976. Your dad was a mentor to me and I think of him OFTEN.

Timothy A Bachmeyer
Brother In Law

February 1, 2013

35 years. RIP my love.

anonymous

October 24, 2012

Well, you have a total of 6 grandchildren now. 5 granddaughters and 1 grandson. I think that you would be very proud of them. They will learn more about you from the stories and memories that Tim, Hannah, and I share with them. Love and miss you.

Heather Stroud
Daughter

January 20, 2012

Dad, thank you for all the lessons you taught me. I served well as a combat medic in the United States Army to honor your sacrifice. I even created a charity for the police department in Killeen, Texas so no family has to suffer alone when an officer can no longer provide for his or her family. KPD LEAF is the Killeen Police Department Law Enforcement Assistance Fund and is a tribute to your life. I love you and will share your stories with others so they remember...

Love always,

Tim Stroud

SGT Timothy Stroud
US Army (son of Gary)

July 26, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your sacrifice was made so many years ago. Evil was, is, and will be a part of life just as goodness such as yours will also be present.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 24, 2010

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 10, 2007

Gone but not forgotten, thank you Officer for you service to the people of Missouri.
Tell my dad I said hello and i miss him.
R.I.P.

Detective
Greene County Sheriff's Dept.

October 22, 2007

It has been 29 years since you left us..........
I still think about you every single day.
Your grandchildren are growing fast............
I love you.

Heather Stroud Bickford
Daughter

November 8, 2006

May you Rest safe with Our Lord and may your family be ever blessed by Him.

October 24, 2006

There isnt a day that doesnt go by that i dont think about Gary. Even after my sister and him divorced he stayed in our family. He is always with us even now..

Cindy Murphy Nelson
sister in law

May 1, 2006

I don't remember much about my Dad because I was 6 when he was killed. I do know that I love him very much and still miss him. I think about him everyday. My two daughters will never know him, except through stories and pictures. The same is true for my brother's two daughters and my half-sister's newborn son. This is how we learned a lot about our Dad. Sadly, my Mom passed away in 1996 so she will never see her grandchildren either. I hope they are in Heaven together looking down on us, knowing that they are loved.

Heather Stroud Bickford
Daughter

April 30, 2006

Officer Stroud,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Charles.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 24, 2005