Walter Winfield Strong

Notes:

Walter's middle name, Winfield, does not appear to be a family name. It is assumed that he was named in honor of General Winfield Scott.

In 1907, Walter was living in Comanche County, Oklahoma (Source: Estate Settlement of Mash & Eliza J. Hall). As he and Tessie Soukup were married sometime before 1908, this is presumably where they met.

According to the June 18, 1908 WALTERS (Oklahoma) JOURNAL, "Walter Strong who worked at the barber trade last fall, but who for some time has been in Lawton and Temple has returned to Walters and is at work for E.J. Blair, proprietor of Modern Barber Shop." Walter was mentioned again in the April 1, 1909 issue of THE NEW ERA, "Walter Strong and family left here about two weeks ago to visit relatives in Prague, Oklahoma. They have decided to locate there." Charles Strong located the family in the 1910 Prague, Oklahoma telephone directory, published March 24, 1910. The residential phone number of Walter Strong was 89. It appears that there were 148 phone numbers assigned to both residents and businesses at the time.

At the time of the 1910 Federal Census, he and Tessie were living at 13th and Broadway, Creek Township, Prague City, Lincoln County, Oklahoma.

Tessie died when she was only 29 of what her family called "kidney poisoning." It may have been complication from the birth of her twin sons five months earlier.

After Tessie died, Walter moved to Iowa City, Wichita County, Texas. Iowa City was west of Wichita Falls, and on the Burlington Northern Rail line. He was living in a boarding house, on Block M, owned by Dale and Vivian Pierce from Iowa. Many of the lodgers in the house worked as Oil Field Laborers. Walter's occupation was listed as Barber. Presumably he had more customers, and could make more money, near Wichita Falls than he could have made by remaining in Lawton. He was listed on the 1920 Federal Census, enumerated in January 1920, as Walter Strawn (sic), Lodger, M W, 38, Wd, Texas, Ohio, Missouri Barber Barber Shop. He was listed immediately following a 19 year old Roy D. West, born in Mississippi, who was a bookkeeper at a bank. This does not appear to be his future step-son, as the age and place of birth are different. Also living in the boarding home with him was 24 year old John R. McLEMORE. In an amazing coincidence, meaning absolutely nothing, Walter's great grandson, Tom STRONG, would some sixty years later marry Roy McLemore's half first cousin, twice removed, Melinda McLEMORE.

Homer, Viola and Barney were temporarily cared for by a woman they called "Grandma Dominic." As far as anyone knows, she was not a relative. They can be found in her home, listed as boarders, at the time of the 1920 census.

Walter's youngest son, Jack, was very ill after his mother died, and was taken in by Walter's Aunt, Rosetta Hall.

Walter apparently moved back to Oklahoma shortly after the 1920 census, as he an Stella Crouch were married in Grady county in June 1920. Stella had two sons from previous marriages, Roy WEST and Cecil Afton LEWIS.

Barney remembers going to first grade in Bison, Garfield County, Oklahoma shortly after his father remarried Stella. There is a picture of Viola, Homer, Barney, Cecil and Roy, in the possession of both the Lewis and Strong families, that was taken in Bison. All the boys are in ties except Homer. Cecil obviously borrowed an adult's tie, and Barney remembers his tie being tucked in. Barney also remembers playing baseball in Bison, and scarring his leg badly on a broken snuff jar after one game. Homer recalls also living the city of Waukomis, near Bison.

Stella and Walter later had another son, Robert Henry Strong. They lived on a farm near Wellston.

At the time of the 1930 census, the family was living in the 2nd Ward, King Township, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.

(Research):

Census Information:

1910 Census
Oklahoma, Lincoln County, Prague
#12-13
Strong, Walter Head M W 29 M1 4 Texas Ohio Mo Eng Laborer
Strong, Terrisha WIfe F W 24 M1 4 Nebrasak Aust Aust Eng Mo
ther of 3 children, 2 of whom were still living
Strong, Homer son M w 2 Ok Tx Neb
Strong, Viola dau F w 9/12 Ok Tx Neb
Strong, Richard (sic) M w 15 S Tx Oh Mo Eng Laborer<---Walter's brother Rolla
Johns, Mary ??? F w 15 Ark Ark Ark Eng servant

1920 Census
Oklahoma, Comanche County, Lawton Township, Ward 5, Precinct 1 310
Park Avenue #113-125
Dominick, Agnes Head F W 51 Dv 1872 Nat. England England England
Dominick, Edna Mae Dau F W 24 Single Texas New York England Clerk Dept Store
Clift, W.H. Boarder M W 48 Wd Ark Tenn Tenn Gen. Man. City
Clift, Charles H Boarder M W 16 S Okl Ark TN
Strong, Homer Boarder M W 11 S Ok Unknown/US Unknown/US
Strong, Viola Mae Boarder F W 9 S Ok Unknown/US Unknown/US
Strong, Brunurd Boarder M W 6 S Ok Uknown/US Unknown/US
Williamson, Maria Boarder F W 29 Illinois Iowa Illinois
Williamson, Lucille Boarder F W 7 Illinois England Illinois
Note: Walter was working in Wichita County, Texas, and boarding there. Youngest son Jack was living with his great-aunt, Rosetta Neill in Harmon County, Oklahoma.

1930 Census
Oklahoma, Stephens County, Duncan, King Twp, 2nd Ward
1509 Cedar
#6-6 Strong, Walter W Head Rents $15 month no radio M W 48 Married age 37 Texas Ohio Texas Barber Barbershop Employed not a veteran
--------- , Stella Wife F W 36 Married age 26 Texas Texas Texas
West, Roy N Step-son M W 19 S Oklahoma TX TX Painter General Building
Lewis, Cecil E Step-son M W 17 S Oklahoma TX TX Waiter Cafe
Strong, Robert H son M W 5 S Oklahoma TX TX
Crouch, Henry J father-in-law M W 73 Widower TX South Carolina TX

(Medical):artherio sclerostic heart disease (5 years)

Walter married Terezie Rose "Tessie" Soukup on 4 Aug 1907 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. Terezie (daughter of Frantisek "Frank" M. Soukup and Anna Beznoska) was born on 4 Jun 1886 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 3 Jun 1916 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma; was buried in Highland Cemetery, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Walter married Stella Crouch on 4 Jun 1920 in Chickasha, Grady County, Oklahoma. Stella (daughter of Henry Joseph Crouch and Geneva "Jennie" Arnold) was born on 8 Jun 1893 in Texas; died on 29 Dec 1959; was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Homer was born in a Leap Year's day, February 29, 1908. He used March 1 as his "official" birthday, however, so he could celebrate it each year instead of only once every four years.

He was eight when his mother died, and twelve when his father remarried. Neither Homer nor Barney were pleased with their new step-mother, Stella Crouch. They left home around 1925, and went to Portales, New Mexico, to live with their Uncle Rolla Strong. They grew enough beans and maize to feed the horses, and lived on Rolla's $17 a month pension from the Navy. They also spent sometime with their grandfather, Ralph, at his Ranch in nearby Pep.

In 1927, Homer moved back to Duncan, Oklahoma to be closer to his parents. He worked for a cotton gin. In 1929, he went to live with his Uncle Alois Soukup in Prague, Oklahoma. His Uncle died in an explosion while trying to rechannel a creek. Homer and a friend were in the creek setting the dynamite, while Alois on the bank putting in the fuses. Homer lost the hearing in one ear as a result of this explosion. After his Uncles death, he returned to Duncan. This is where he met his wife, Anna Laura at a dance. At the time of the 1930 census, he was a boarder with the Elmer Michels family in Duncan.

1930 census
Stephens Co. OK King Twp., Duncan city ED 69-28
Sheet 3A & 3B
1210 Spruce
69/70 Michels, Elmer A. and family
Strong, Homer R., boarder, MW 21 S OK US US

At the time, Homer was painting signs for Fuzzy Carter, at his sign company. Bill and Charles Strong both caddied for Fuzzy years later, when they were teenagers. Fuzzy had a sing up during WWII that said, in one continuous statement, "Quityourdamnbellyachingandbuymorewarbonds." This sign was on the side of the Palace Theatre. In 1936, Homer went to work for Coca Cola for $15 a week, painting signs. It was during the depression and work was scare. Roonie recounts that one day they simply ran out of food. Their eldest son was just an infant. Roonie said all they had in the house was one heal end of a loaf of bread. She borrowed a spoonful of syrup from their neighbor, and put that on the bread for Charles. She and Homer did without that day. Although there were many other days that food and money were very sparse, that was the only day they did totally without.

Homer was drafted in 1943, and helped train men at Fort Sill. He was discharged as a Sergeant First Class on March 15, 1949, and forever after was known by his nickname "Sarg." He was a Radio Repairman (Instructor) 8648, and eventually was in charge of the radio repair school at Fort Sill. Charles Strong notes that Homer's being drafted was what brought the family out of poverty and put them on the road to economic stability.

Homer went back to Coca Cola after the war, and then to Halliburton. He worked for Halliburton from 1951 to 1972. He was a sign painter and worked in their carpentery shop.

His military records show that he completed 8 years of Grammer School, but did not attend High School. His wife Roonie recounted that Homer was always a bit defensive about his lack of a formal education. He worked hard later in his life to make up for this. He read extensively, and took continuing education courses in subjects such as Spanish. He loved music, and had a wide collection of tapes, ranging from country and western to Spanish Flamenco to opera. Although he had no training in music, he would write out the scores of his favorite songs by listening to them over and over again, recreating them on his keyboard, and then writing them out. He also loved to do the daily crossword puzzle, in pen. After they retired, he and Roonie were able to travel to Europe, where they stayed where they visited their son Bill, who was stationed in Germany.

Homer's obituary in the Duncan, Oklahoma newspaper read as follows:

H.R. "Sarg" Strong, 82, 1806 Birch, died Wednesday, September 19, 1990, in a Duncan hospital. A Rosary will be at 7:30 pm Friday in the Don Grantham Funeral Home Chapel. Service will be at 10 am Saturday in Assumption Catholic Church with Father Paul Gillespie officiating. Burial will be in Duncan cemetery.

Mr. Strong was born March 1, 1908 in Lawton. He was retired from Halliburton Services, and a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1943 to 1948. He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church. On October 23, 1931 (sic), he married Anna L. Payne in Waurika.

Survivors include his wife of the home; five sons, Charles Strong of Edinburg, Texas, Bill Strong of Yukon, John Strong of Duncan, Tom Strong of Phoenix, Arizona and Paul David Strong of Santa Barbara, California; two daughters, Caroline Brasher of Duncan and Theresa Rutledge of Austin; four brothers Barnie Strong of Gainesville, Texas and Bob Strong, Cecil Lewis and Jack Strong, all of Lawton; a sister Viola Weaver of Gainesville; 23 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. (Note: at the time, Homer actually had 22 grandchildren and nine great granchildren). Bearers will be grandsons.

Don Grantham Funeral Homes, Duncan, Oklahoma.

(Medical):AB Blood type

Homer married Anna Laura Payne on 23 Feb 1932 in Waurika, Jefferson County, Oklahoma. Anna (daughter of Thomas Hamilton Payne, II and Bessie Bird Gentry) was born on 23 Oct 1913 in Arthur, Parks Township, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was christened on 23 Dec 1922 in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 15 Sep 2004 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 18 Sep 2004 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

VIOLA MAE WEAVER

Graveside services for Viola Mae Weaver, 99, of Gainesville, are set for 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009 at the Fairview Cemetery with Rev. Jim Goodwin officiating.

A visitation will be held from 7-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

Ms. Weaver died Aug. 3, 2009 in Henrietta.

Ms. Weaver was born Feb. 27, 1910 in Prague, Okla., to Walter Winfield and Tessie Rose Soukup Strong. She married Leroy "Snip" Weaver in Duncan, Okla., on March 28, 1929. She was a long time member of Whaley United Methodist Church and she loved to cook. Ms. Weaver was a clerk at the Streets Pharmacy for many years.

She is survived by her grandson Jim and his wife Susan Weaver of Dean, great grandchildren Jake Weaver of Dean, Alex and wife Heather Weaver of Midland, and Nick Weaver of Austin, great-great granddaughters Olivia and Alexis Weaver of Midland, and her brother Barney Strong. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded by her parents, her husband, her son Donald Joe Weaver, her brothers Homer, Jack, Jake, and Bob Strong and Cecil Lewis.

You may sign the online registry at www.geojcarroll.com

From the Gainesville Daily Register (online edition)
http://www.gainesvilleregister.com/
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Viola married Leroy "Snip" Weaver on 28 Mar 1929 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. Leroy (son of Jess P. Weaver and Lillie J. Nixon) was born on 20 Mar 1908 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 26 Jun 1977 in Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas; was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Gainsville, Cooke County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Charles R. Strong of Edinburg called his uncle Barney on March 24, 2005 to ask him what his given name was. Barney said it was "Something strange" that he had never liked much, so he had always gone by Barney. Both Robert Strong and Viola Weaver confirmed this. In his mother's obiturary, he was listed as "Branyard," so he presumably was named Brainerd in honor of his grandfather, Ralph Brainerd and great-grandfather David Brainerd. He was a veteran of World War II, later working as a welder.

BARNEY FRANK STRONG

Funeral services for Barney Frank Strong, 96, of Gainesville are set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011 at the Grand Avenue Baptist Church, with the Rev. Bill Black officiating.

Burial will follow with military honors in Fairview Cemetery, under the direction of the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

Barney went to be with the Lord Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 at his residence.

Barney was born in Prague, Okla. to Walter and Bessie (sic) Strong. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served in the Burma India Theater during World War II and then was honorably discharged in 1946. He married Violet Stanley on Jan. 27, 1946 in Lawton, Okla. and then moved to Gainesville in 1951. Barney was the owner of Strong's Welding Service for many years and a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church for over 50 years. He loved to play golf, fish and most of all play dominoes at the Stanford House.

Barney is survived by his daughter, Jeanie and her husband Harry Gootas; son, Benny and his wife Pam Strong; grandchildren, Chris and his wife Amy Kuhn, Todd and his wife Julianne Kuhn, Juli and her husband Phil Metzler, Jennifer Barna, Alyssa Strong and Amber Strong; 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Homer, Jack and Bob Strong, Cecil Lewis and Roy West and sister, Viola Weaver.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Chris and Todd Kuhn and Phil Metzler; great-grandson, Ty Kuhn and nephews, Charles and Tommy Lewis.

The family will receive friends and loved ones this evening, Jan. 5, 2011 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Home Hospice of Cooke County.

Barney married Violet Evaline Stanley on 27 Jan 1946 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. Violet was born on 6 Feb 1921 in Arthur, Parks Township, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 14 Oct 2004 in Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas; was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Gainsville, Cooke County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Most of the information below was obtained on January 29, 1999 at Donald Joe Weavers ranch in St. Joe, Texas. Tape recordings were made over several hours. The quality of the tapes is poor due to background noise. Those present were Viola Strong Weaver, her son Don and his wife Pat, Barney Strong and his wife Violet, Anna L. (Rooney) Strong, Jack Neill Strong, and the compiler, Charles Strong.

Jack and his twin brother Jake were born on Christmas Day 1915, Jake dying shortly after his birth. Jack's mother, Tessie Soukup Strong died about six months later. Shortly after his mother's death, one of Walter Strong's aunts, Rosetta Neill came to visit the Strong family in Prague, Oklahoma. Jack was very ill. Rosetta and her husband, Hamilton Neill, took Jack home with them to Vinson (Harmon) County, Oklahoma to better care for him.

The Neill's farm was large and even had indoor plumbing, a rarity in rural Oklahoma in 1916. Jack went to school in Vinson, about 8 miles from the farm. In the early years, he traveled to school by horse and wagon, and later on a T-Model Ford School bus. When Jack was in either the fourth or fifth grade, he was teasing some girls and got into a fight. After the fight, they told him he didn't even have a father or mother. At the age of 10 or 11, this was a shock. As he walked up the lane to the farmhouse, his mother saw that he was crying and had been fighting. His dad asked what was wrong. Jack replied, "The kids said you weren't my Papa and Mama." They came clean and stated "We are not your Mama and Papa. You were a sick little baby, and we went and got you and we picked you out to be one of our little family." This did not help one bit. At this age, one does not understand that. Jack said "As a result of this, up to this day, it is hard for me to trust anybody!" After this, it was never the same. They treated me better than their own kids. They had two boys and two girls already gone from home. I was the only child there, and they spoiled me rotten.

When Jack was 14 or 15, the Neills told him that his father, Walter Strong, was alive. Shortly after this, Mr. Neill died, and Jack took care of his mother. He had to quit school, but went back for awhile. Mrs. Neill took Jack to see Walter and his stepmother, Stella. Perhaps this was when they were living west of Lawton, around 1931 or 1932. They visited for two or three days. Jack recalls playing with some kids. They were probably Barney, Bob, and Cecil. The day before they were to go home, they were eating and Walter asked Jack if he wanted to stay with them, or go home with Mommy Neill. Jack said "I want to go home." He thought that Walter might have been hurt by this decision. The next morning, he and his mother took the bus back to Vinson, Oklahoma. He added that "All of this was in the back of my mind, and I was very confused.

The Neill's may also have been uncertain as to their relationship with Jack. On the 1920 census, he was listed as their adopted son. In 1930, he was listed simply as a lodger.

After high school in the 1930's, Jack went to work for C.R. Anthony Company as a shoe salesman in Lawton, Oklahoma. There was a disagreement one evening after a big day's sale, to military personnel on payday, and Jack was fired. It appears he had a date. When he didn't show up for work on Monday, Mr. Anthony called him up from Oklahoma City. Jack refused to go back to Lawton, but agreed to continue working for him at the Oklahoma City store.

Soon Jack was working two jobs. His second job was with a drug store. About this time he married Bernadine and needed the money. This was in the late 1930s when times were hard. Soon, he was working at the drug store during the day, and as a bartender at the Black Hotel in the evenings. This was right before World War II. He doubled his wages.

While holding down these two jobs, Jack was drafted into the army early in World War II. While working at the bar, airmen from the Will Rogers Air Corps Base who were customers advised Jack to try to become a cook in the service. Upon induction into the army, he told them he was a cook at the Black Hotel. He was given a test about cuts of meat. Having grown up on a ranch, the test was a snap. At Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he received ill-fitting clothes that afternoon, and was awakened at 4 am the next morning to scramble eggs all day in a field kitchen.

Jack was shipped to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training. While at Fort Leonard Wood, he cooked but never went through basic training, except for the rifle range. Jack was shipped overseas, first to North Africa, then to Sicily. He travelled "from the toe up through the north till the war ended." After the war, Jack was discharged in Virginia Beach, VA. Upon discharge, he hired a man with a Piper Cub plan to fly him to Oklahoma for $150, half of his mustering out pay.

Back in Oklahoma, Jack worked first for a beauty and barber supply company. Next he worked for Tom's Peanut Company. After that, he took a job selling jewelry and toys to stores in southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. He also sold buttons and zippers. He worked for the Pearl Button Company of Lansing, Iowa for 32 years. Charles R. Strong and some of his brothers and sisters recall visiting Jack several times during these years. The Button Company went bankrupt, and so went Jacks retirement. Jack next started to sell flags, banners, and sales promotion material like that foung around car lots, parades, etc. The flag business was in several locations. First Austin and Seguin, Texas. Next he went to Miami, Florida. After Florida, he lived in New Orleans, Louisiana for 9 years. Later he retired to Hawaii and loved it. Since his only income was Social Security and he could not afford trips to the states to visit his children, he moved back to the states and settled in Forth Worth around 1994.

Obituary: Obituary Jack Neil Strong


Jack Neil Strong, 87, a retired salesman and entrepreneur died December 13th, 2003 in Fort Worth. Funeral: 1 p.m. Thursday, December 18th at Forest Ridge Funeral Home, Hurst, Texas. His ashes will be placed at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery following the memorial service. Memorial: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Texas, 6100 Western Place, Suite 500, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Jack was born Christmas day, 1915 in Lawton, Okla. He proudly served in the US Army during World War II. He was an outstanding salesman throughout his life and sold a variety of items including Tom's Peanuts, buttons, zippers, costume jewelry, and flags and pennants. He never met a stranger and could always make you smile or laugh. He was a lover of life and lived life to its fullest to the very end. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Survivors: Daughters, Jacqueline Forni Conner of Denton and Dr. Kathy Morrison Zatopek and husband, Wayne Zatopek of Hurst and Tyler; Granddaughters, Christina Dittrich and husband, Derek Dittrich of Hamilton, Tex. and Meghann Brown and husband, Ryan Brown of Killeen, Tex. Great Granddaughters Shelby and Tayler Dittrich; sister, Viola Weaver of Gainesville; brother, Barney Strong of Gainesville; half-brother, Bob Strong of Lawton, Okla.

(Research):Census Information:

1920 Census
Oklahoma, Harmon County, Francis Twp
16 January 1920
FM #105-106
Neils (sic), Hamilton Head M W 53 M Texas US US Farmer
Neils, Rosetta Wife F W 54 M Yes Texas Missouri Virginia
Neils, Clyde E Son M W 17 Ok Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Neils, Elmer H Son M w 15 Ok Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Neils, Jack Adopted Son M W 4 1/2 Ok Ok Ok

1940 Census
Oklahoma, Tillman, Frederick City
Enumerated April 18, 1940
ED 9 SD 71-6
Enumerated April 15, 1940
309-60 P 3000
Phillips, William Head M W 46 M No H-2 Tx Sameplace Mail Rural carrier USPO
Phillips, Mable Wf F W 43 M No H-3 Ohio Sameplace
Phillips, Billie C Son M W 16 S Okla Sameplace
Phillips, Doris E Dtr F W 14 S Okla Sameplace
Strong, Jack N Son-in-law M W 24 M No H-4 Okla Sameplace Shoe Salesman Shoe Store
Strong, Eugenia Dtr F W 20 M M-4 Okla Same Place
Strong, Irma G Dtr F W 1 S No O Okla

Jack married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jack married Eugenia Lou Phillips on 28 Mar 1937 in Frederick, Tillman County, Oklahoma. Eugenia was born on 12 Nov 1919 in Frederick, Tillman County, Oklahoma; died on 24 Nov 1999. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jack married Bernadine Horton before 1946. Bernadine was born on 26 Jan 1919 in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma; died on 10 Sep 2005 in Denton, Denton County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rhodene Frederick found the following records relating to Strong Family Burials at Highland Cemetery in Lawton (Section 3276):

Strong, Jake, b. 1915, d. Jan 25, 1915, R. B. Strong

The difference in the date of death is noted. Either it, or Homer Strongs memory that his younger brother was born and died on Christmas day, is in error.

Notes:

The Lawton Constitution

Friday, February 20, 2009

Robert Henry 'Bob' Strong

Funeral for Robert Henry "Bob" Strong, 84, Lawton, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church with David D. King, pastor, officiating.

Mr. Strong died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at his home.

Burial will be at Highland Cemetery under direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.

He was born May 9, 1924, in Wellston, to Walter W. and Stella Crouch Strong. He and his family moved to Lawton, and he graduated from Lawton High School in 1943. He served in the Army during World War II in England, France, Belguim, Germany, and Austria. He served in Patton's 3rd Army and was awarded five Battle Stars as well as the Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. He married Viola Bard on Aug. 4, 1956, in Lawton. She died Jan. 13, 2005. He married Billie Howeth on Feb. 16, 2008. He worked at Montgomery Wards for 40 years, retiring as the shoe department manager in 1982. He had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1965. He sang in the choir and taught the Men's Sunday School Class for eight years. He was also a member of the 50 plus choir at First Baptist Church and was a volunteer with RSVP.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; four stepdaughters and their husbands: Waynna and John Fremin, Alaska; Susan and Albert Culp, Anna Laura and Chuck Plymesser, all of Lawton; and Cathy and Dennis Mayo, Indiahoma; a brother, Barney Strong, Gainesville, Texas; a sister, Violet Weaver, Henryetta, Texas; two nieces: Sue Anna O'Hara, Houston; and Linda Williams, Sand Springs; seven nephews and their wives: Charles and Carolyn Lewis, Houston; Tommy and Elwanda Lewis, Lawton; Byron and Della Rice, Weatherford, Texas; Benny and Pam Strong, Gainesville, Texas; and Edward and Patsy Bard, Jack and Pat Bard, and David and Carol Bard, all of Lawton; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two special friends: Stacie and Darrin Bain.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers: Homer Strong, Jack Strong, Cecil Lewis and Roy West. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist "Forward In Faith" Fund, 715 SW H, Lawton 73501, or to Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma, 1930 Ferris, Suite 5, Lawton 73507.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at grayfuneral.com.

(Courtesy of Lynell Gentry Cordell)

Robert married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Robert married Viola Bard on 4 Aug 1956 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. Viola was born on 31 Jul 1921 in Chattanooga, Comanche County, Oklahoma; died on 13 Jan 2005 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma; was buried in Highland Cemetery, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Charles was born in the midst of the Depression, and vividly remembers the financial struggle faced by his impoverished parents. In the summers, Charles was usually sent to stay on the farm owned by his great-grandparents, James and Zada Gentry. Charles remembers Zada as a tiny woman, and a good cook. She often remarked, after he devoured her meals, "Charles, you must be hollow to your toes."

Charles eventually rebelled against his father's stringent demands. In a bid for independence, he dropped out of school for in the eighth grade, staying out late most nights or not coming home for days at a time.

His parents sent him to Oklahoma City, to live with his Aunts Fay and Lois, who shared a home. His grandmother, Bessie Payne, lived there with her daughters as well. Charles slept in a cot in the back room. He remembers his grandmother having a Chocolate Hostess Cupcake waiting for him each day when he returned from school. Charles graduated from the 8th grade at Holy Angels Parochical School in Oklahoma City on May 25, 1947. After his graduation, he enrolled in the Oklahoma National Guard. He added two years to his age so he would be eligible to enlist. He was 5'8" and 138 pounds, and told the unit he was age 17, not 15. After seven months of duty, on June 4, 1948, he was honorably discharged as a Private. The reason for his discharge was listed as "Business Interference"

Charles returned home to Duncan to attend High School. He later dropped out of High School as well, and went to work at a bakery. He developed a lifelong aversion to most baked goods, remembering the overwhelming smell. Charles finally realized that education, was the best way to escape poverty, so he returned to school. He graduated from Duncan High School in May, 1952, along with his younger brother Bill.

Charles and Bill both enrolled at Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) in Stillwater. Charles borrowed money from his Aunt Lois to pay for his freshman year, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He received a medical discharge due to a chronic skin condition which made it impossible for him to wear combat boots. After his brief military service, he returned to OSU and used the GI bill to pay for the remainder of his education. He was original a Chemistry major, but changed to business and accounting due to these same skin allergies.

A Feb. 7, 1956 article in the student paper reported that "Charles Strong, arts and sciences junior from Duncan, was named president of the Newman club Sunday evening during the election of the 1956 officers. Strong, a chemistry major, replaces Stan Prochaska, agriculture journalism senior from Enid, as proxy of the organization of Catholic students. He had been vice president and one time co-chairman of the membership committee. Ed Wakeen, OIT student from Massachusetts was elected vice president...(also from Massachusetts) Joe Hayden was elected treasurer...Beverly Kirchmeyer from Ponca City was elected secretary. Continuing as chaplin.....will be Rev. Joseph Dillon, assistant pastor of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater."

Being president allowed Charles to live in the Newman club, further helping him with financing his education. It was also through the Newman club that Charles met his wife, Pat, a fellow student at OSU.

Charles received his B.S. degree in May, 1959 with a major in accounting and minor in economics. His first job was as an instructor of accounting and economics at Bloomsburg State College in Pennsylvania. He was there for one year, after which time he went to work as an auditor for a public accounting firm in Tulsa. After two years in public accounting, he worked as an auditor for two years at Halliburton in Duncan, Oklahoma. He received his CPA certificate (#1659) from the State of Oklahoma in 1963. Charles went back to OSU, and received his M.S in accounting in May, 1964.

Later, he went on to obtain his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama (May, 1972, Major in Industrial Relations with minors in Economics and Finance). It was at the married student housing at the University of Alabama that the Strong's started their lifelong friendship with JF and Earlene Burney.

While working on his Ph.D., the Strong's moved between small college's in Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas at which Charles had short term teaching assistantships. He was an instructor at OSU, the University of Alabama, Mississippi State College for Women, University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of Montevallo (in Alabama).

Charles looked a bit like Henry Kissinger (Secretary of State under Richard Nixon). Once, while on a business trip, he was in a bar in Washington D.C. He heard a whispered conversation between two people, who were hotly debating whether or not he was indeed Dr. Kissinger. When the waitress came up to ask if he wanted a refill, he drolly answered, in his Kissingerian best, "Yah."

In May, 1973, Charles was offered a position in the Accounting Department of Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. He also received his Texas CPA Certificate (No. 12,595) in January, 1974.

While in the Rio Grande Valley, Charles became an avid bird watcher and member of the National Audobon Society. He participated in many bird censuses. He also enjoyed sailing.

Dr. Strong later became a full professor at Pan American. He taught mainly accounting classes, although towards the end of his career he began to teach in the management department. He retired in December, 1997. During his tenure at Pan Am, he served on numerous committees, was a N.A.S.A. Faculty Intern at the Johnson Space Center during the summer of 1974, and served as a visiting professor at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. He also did the accounting, taxes, and financial planning for a corporate client in Edinburg. Charles retired from Pan American in December 1997.

Charles is a voracious reader, and is especially interested in nature and history. In the late 1990's he and his brother Bill made several trips to Europe to visit their cousin Pete Kubik and to visit various battle sites of World War II. He also became interested in Genealogy, and began travelling throughout the southwest, visiting courthouses in search of land records and also interviewing family members.

He is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw nation, as was his maternal grandfather, Thomas Payne. He is also a Mason.

(Medical):Had Covid-19 in December 2020.

Charles married Patricia Marion McGuire on 25 May 1957 in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma. Patricia (daughter of Keith David McGuire, Sr. and Josephine Marguerite Morlas) was born on 30 Oct 1933 in Camargo, Dewey County, Oklahoma; died on 16 Mar 2018 in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas; was buried in Camargo (Westside) Cemetery, Camargo, Dewey County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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(Research):Bill attended Oklahoma A&M at the same time his brother Charles was there. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1978. He was a Major, and in Military Intelligence. He was stationed in Germany for many years. After his retirement, he became a regional sales manager for Motor Manual.

Obituary

William "Bill" Robert Strong passed away on March 4, 2024. Bill was the second child of Homer Strong and Anna Laura Payne born in Duncan, Oklahoma on February 20, 1934. As the second son of seven children, he had four brothers and two sisters.

Bill gained a love of music and singing from his father who sang in a Barbershop quartet throughout his childhood. He received a scholarship in music to Oklahoma State University in 1953 and helped to create the singing group called The Four Chi's as a part of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He met the love of his life Betty Wehunt on a blind date at the University. He was drafted into the Army after college in late 1957. During boot camp he married Betty in Colorado Springs on February 22, 1958. He spent 20 years in the Army and then had a 20-year career with Hearst Publishing. He enjoyed traveling, and both of his careers provided plenty of it. They lived in Europe several times and transferred to six different states while in the military. He also traveled all over the states for his job at Hearst while based in Oklahoma.

Bill was a class clown who loved one liners and corny "Dad jokes" which always made us laugh. He also had a lifelong love of dancing. No matter where we lived, he would find a restaurant with a dance floor and would dance with mom while the kids ate. He loved going out on a family vacation. While his children were young, they either went camping, boating, sailing or drove cross country to visit out-of-state relatives every summer. Later in life he and his wife would take 2 vacations a year traveling either to Europe or visiting their children across the nation. When Bill retired, he bought a home in Texas and spent his later years "snow birding" from Oklahoma to Texas with a few trips to see his children in the US or friends in England.

He was diagnosed with cancer over 10 years ago. His cancer resurfaced in 2019 and then again last year in 2023. The last reoccurrence eventually took his life after nearly a year of chemotherapy. Bill is survived by his brother Thomas Strong (wife Vicki) and his brother Paul David Strong; his son, Richard Strong; his son, John Strong (wife Kim and son Benjamin); his son, Stanley Strong (wife Ginger and daughters Kennedy, Brooklyn and Rayanna); his son, Gregory Strong (wife Cecille and son Maximillian).

Obituary published on Legacy.com by YANDA & SON FUNERAL HOME - YUKON on Mar. 12, 2024.

William married Betty Alice Wehunt on 22 Feb 1958 in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado. Betty was born on 4 Mar 1935 in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma; died on 29 Apr 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma; was buried on 3 May 2013. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Obituary

John Ralph Strong, 86, of Duncan, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 4, 2022.

Graveside funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 8, 2022 at the Duncan Cemetery with Rev. David Galletly, and arrangements have been entrusted to the family care of Carter-Smart Directors.

Family visitation will be Thursday evening April 7, 2022 at the Carter-Smart Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

John was born June 16, 1935 in Duncan, Oklahoma to Homer and Anna Laura (Payne) Strong. He attended Duncan Public Schools, where he participated in Choir, and graduated in 1954. He joined the U.S. Air Force in June of that year and served until May 1968. After his military service he worked for Halliburton, Texas Instruments, and retired from Duncan Public Schools after working as a janitor at Woodrow Wilson Elementary for many years. He married Brenda Cole in 1979. They had two children, Carrie and Taylor. He was a practical man and was excellent at mechanical repair. In his younger years he was an avid fisherman, spending hours at the lake. He was above all. though a voracious reader and history buff, and was passionate about subjects he studied. He was also a lover of classical music. During his military service and after, he was fortunate to work and travel all over the glob and always had an interesting story to share. These stories about his travels helped instill his love of history and the arts in his children.

He was preceded death by his parents, two sisters and one brother.

John is survived by his wife; Brenda of the home, daughter; Carrie and her husband Andy Walters, son; Taylor and his wife Catherine Strong, two grandchildren, Edward and Anne Strong, and three brothers; Bill, Tom and Paul David Strong and numerous nieces and nephews.

https://www.cartersmartfuneralhome.com/obituary/John-Strong

John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Mary Caroline Brasher, 78, of Duncan, Oklahoma passed away Friday morning, January 5, 2018 in Duncan. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Monday January 8, 2018 at Don Grantham Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glenn McGee officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery under the care of Don Grantham Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 5:30 to 7:00pm Sunday evening, January 7, 2018 at the funeral home.

Caroline was born in Duncan, Oklahoma on March 18, 1939. She was the fourth of seven children of Homer and Anna Laura. She was baptized and raised in the Assumption Catholic Church in Duncan where she was a member for many years. She often spoke of warm childhood memories of family, friends, dancing and music. She recalled as a very young child meeting her father on Friday afternoons coming home from Ft. Sill during the War and walking home with him and about being the fastest runner on the street as a child, frequently out running her male playmates. She dearly loved her brothers and sister.

After high school, she met James Earl "Jim" Brasher, an army serviceman stationed at Fort Sill and they soon fell in love and were married May 28, 1960. Caroline and Jim became lifelong residents of Duncan where they raised their four children. Caroline was a tireless homemaker, ran a small day-care from home, and was avidly involved in her children's school and sports activities. Caroline enjoyed spending her later years collecting and watching classic movies, listening to Frank Sinatra tunes, remodeling her homes, attending family reunions and traveling. She loved the colorful Southwest desert landscape, and made a few trips to visit the rich cultural heritage found in Santa Fe, New Mexico with family and church members. She loved following OU football and OKC Thunder basketball. Most of all, she loved her family and was very proud of her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. She was passionate about giving to charitable causes including religious and cultural affiliations. She drew strength from Billy Graham and other evangelical ministries and was a prayer warrior, especially during her beloved husband's prolonged illness.

Caroline is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 57 years, her parents, Homer and Anna Laura Strong, her sister, Theresa, and beautiful granddaughter Alexandra. Caroline is survived by her children Regina Stuart and her husband, Don; Libby Morris and her husband Terry; Andy Brasher and his wife, Kim; and Patti Moore and her husband Steve. Grandchildren Brandon, Shelby, Beau, Victoria, Trevor, Caroline, Jeremy, Caelan, Shannon and Kathleen. Great-grandchildren Jackson, Addison, James, Elizabeth and Clay all of whom she loved and was so very proud of.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christians Concerned at 702 W. Willow Ave, Duncan, OK 73533. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.granthamfuneralhomes.com.

Mary married James Earl "Red" Brasher on 28 May 1960 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. James was born on 10 Nov 1938 in Decaturville, Decatur County, Tennessee; died on 15 Jul 2017 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 18 Jul 2017 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Duncan (Okla.) Banner Sunday, July 30, 1995

Theresa Strong Rutledge

Austin, Texas--Former Duncan resident Theresa Strong Rutledge, 53, of Austin died Friday, July 28, 1995, in Austin.

Services will be 10:30 am Monday at Duncan's Assumption Catholic Church with the Rev. James Rapp officiating. Burial will be in Duncan cemetery under the direction of Don Grantham Funeral Home.

Ms. Rutledge was born March 25, 1942, at Duncan to the late H.R. "Sarg" and Anna L. Payne Strong. She had been an employee of the Word of God Benedictine Monastery in Watertown, S.D. and homemaker. She was affiliated with the St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Austin.

Survivors include two daughters, Anna Marie Rutledge and Sarah Rutledge, both of Austin, five brothers Charles Strong of Edinburg, Texas; Bill Strong of Oklahoma City; John Strong of Duncan; Tom Strong of Phoenix, Arizona; and Paul Strong of Santa Barbara, California; a sister, Carolyne Brasher of Duncan; and a grandson, Matthew Rutledge of Austin.

Bearers will be nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Williamson County Hospice, 308 W. 17th, Georgetown, Texas 78626, or to the Chisholm Trail Hospice, P.O. Box 1142, Duncan, Oklahoma 733534.

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Donald Weaver

Don J. Weaver was born on December 10, 1929, in Duncan, Okla. to Leroy and Viola Weaver. Don graduated from Gainesville High School in 1947.

Don had an interest in the medical field and therefore went on to serve in the United States Navy in the medical field for 3 years. Upon his honorable discharge, Don chose Patricia Settle to be his wife on Feb. 24, 1952.

After serving his country, he then chose a career in the health care industry by working for the Gainesville Hospital and then took a position as the administrator for Coleman Hospital.

Don then took a position with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas in their Provider Relations Division as a Provider Relations Representative, which encompassed calling upon hospitals. Through this 23-year career, Don made many lifetime friends at Blue Cross and as well as hospital personnel. He was greatly respected by his employees and peers. You could count on Don to have all of the answers to any issues you many have. He had a wealth of knowledge about hospital billing practices along with a great memory.

After retirement, Don enjoyed his farm in Saint Jo, Texas, and invited everyone that knew him and Pat to come and visit at the farm. They hosted many cookouts which we all enjoyed and now look back on as such happy events that we shared with this couple.

Don was called home on November 30 after a 3-week stay at Presbyterian Hospital in Denton, Texas. He will be greatly missed by his family, Jim and Susan Weaver; grandchildren, Jake, Alex, and Nick; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Alexis. Don is also survived by his wonderful mother, Viola. Don's death leaves a great void in each of our lives and as we continue on with our lives, we can all stop and think of the humor Don had and enjoy a happy thought.

The family will receive friends at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today.

A Graveside Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at Fairview Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Rob Spencer. Services are under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

(Clipping from the Daily Register, Gainesville, Texas, not dated; transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, December 2007)

Donald married Patricia Ann Settle on 24 Feb 1952 in Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas. Patricia was born on 9 May 1932 in Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas; died on 8 May 2003 in Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Obituary

Patricia (Patti) Lynn Moore, 55, joined her Lord and Savior on her late fathers birthday, November 10, 2020 after a sudden and brief illness. She passed away quietly with loved ones surrounding her. Her funeral will be held at Whitt Funeral Home in Duncan on Saturday, November 14, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation on Friday, November 13 from 5-7 p.m.

Patti was the fourth child born to Jim and Caroline Brasher in Duncan, Oklahoma on January 29, 1965. Raised in Duncan, she was a 1983 graduate of Duncan High School. She was married in 1985 to Steve Moore at the Assumption Catholic Church in Duncan. Patti had a sweet soul, generous heart, and always willing to put others' needs before her own. She offered a ready smile, an open ear, and kind comments to all those she met. She had a fun-loving and gregarious personality that made others around her feel welcome. Patti enjoyed children, working in the yard, laughing, politics and listening to rock music. She has a passion for reading history and visiting museums. Patti was a member of the Chickasaw Nation and loved her job and her regular customers at the Chisholm Trail Casino Gift Shop where she worked for the past 11 years.

Patti especially enjoyed gathering for holidays, family reunions, special events with her family, and with life-long friends through the years. Above all, Patti loved being a daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, mother, and grandmother. She was proud of her children and grandchildren. Her last act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ donation.

Patti is preceded in death by her parents James and Caroline Brasher. Patti is survived by husband Steve Moore, daughter Shelby Moore of Duncan, OK, sons Beau Moore of Reno, NV, Trevor Moore of Owasso, OK, and Jeremy Moore of Duncan; grandchildren Jackson, Addison and Cayson all of Duncan; her siblings Gina Stuart of Duncan, Libby Morris of Norman, and Andy Brasher of Owasso; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. We will all cherish her memory and will miss her forever.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.

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Notes:

Lead Clinical Researcher for Benchmark Medical Research in Austin.

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