Memorial Service Held For Craig Strickland

Hundreds of people came together Tuesday evening to celebrate the life of singer Craig Strickland at an Arkansas church.

“We are going to be joyful tonight. We are going to celebrate tonight,” said Dr. Nick Floyd, pastor at Cross Church. “We know Craig would want that tonight.”

KFSM, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith, says family, friends, and fans attended the ceremony, which was also broadcast online.

Craig Strickland and his friend, Chase Morland, were reported missing by family members December 27. The pair had been on a duck hunt at Kaw Lake near Ponca City.  

Morland's body was recovered the next day.  Strickland's body was found a week later on January 4.  

At Tuesday's service, family shared their memories of Strickland on video, and friends spoke to the crowd on stage.

“[Strickland] had that childlike fascination, and that endless energy,” said Rev. Aaron Matthews, a friend of Strickland’s. “He never stopped chasing his dreams. And, that is what was so remarkable about him.”

His band, Backroad Anthem, and other guests played at the service.

1/6/2016 Related Story: 'Backroad Anthem' Adds Second Show To Honor Craig Strickland