Donald John Strah, Sr.

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Donald John Strah, Sr., 76, passed away on October 20th, 2012, in Midland, Texas. Don was born January 1936, on a small farm in rural Kansas, to John and Nena Strah, working hard and enjoying the simple pleasures of farm life. In addition to hard work, days also included walking to neighboring farms to help and socialize, and occasionally pushing a Model A Ford out of the mud. Dons passion was fishing, which he did even in his last days. He enjoyed passing this on to his children and grandchildren, and was able to achieve his dream of owning a lakehouse, cooking his fresh catch daily, and telling old fishing stories. Don served 4 years and 3 months in the USAF in the 1950s, stationed entirely in Europe. Don met his wife Dorothy of 56 years, in Manchester, England and they wed there in 1956. After graduating college on the GI Bill, Don worked as an Industrial Arts teacher and was later employed as an Instructor and Service Manager for GMC Truck and Coach Division of General Motors, from which he retired.Don is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and four children, Donald and wife DeAnna, Penny and husband James, Mark, and Steven; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer, D.J., Elliott, Danielle, Ariana, and Dalton; also a niece, Judy Robinson and husband Ted. Don also loved animals, particularly his 2 labrador retrievers, and spent many hours spoiling them by his beloved fireplace. Don suffered from many illnesses, particularly in the last decade, but was a tough man and resilient, and fought long and hard and persevered, living an active life, before coming to rest, and finally being at peace. Don was a member of Community of Christ Church, Midland, Texas.Don was preceded in death by his parents John and Nena Strah; and his sister, Lena Fern Tate.At Dons request, no formal service will be held, a private ceremony for the immediate family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Midland, Texas; Outreach International, PO Box 210, Independence, MO 64051-0210, or to a charity of choice.We already miss you dad, but your legacy and the way you lived your life will remain in our hearts forever. Love, your family.The family will receive friends on Monday, October 22, 2012, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the funeral home.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,