Duke Strain, son of George and Ettie Strain, was born September 19, 1896 at Earlsboro, Okla. He died at his home here in Coldwater, October 13, 1977, at the age of 81.Duke spent most of his life living near Shawnee, Okla. He operated a grocery store at Earlsboro for a time. Later, he worked as a pumper in the oil fields. He retired from this work in 1965. Then he moved with his wife to Coldwater in April of 1968.
He was a veteran of the World War I and a 32 degree Mason. In September 1972 he received his 50 year pin. This year marked his 55th year.
He was married to Della Alfrey on August 14, 1917 at Shawnee, Okla. The Strains celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last August.
Duke and Della had two daughters. Their oldest daughter, Mildred, died at the age of five and one-half years. Their daughter, Jerri, Mrs. Joe Spence, resides here in Coldwater with her husband.
Besides his wife, Della, and daughter, Jerri, Duke is survived by three grandchildren: Deanna (Mrs. John) Chenoweth of Houston, Texas; Byron Spence of Wichita; and Dan Spence of Pittsburg. One sister, Mrs. Esther Tinkle, of Seminole, Okla., and one brother, George Strain, in California. Also several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Gib Clark was in charge of services held Saturday, October 15, 1977, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hatfield-Prusia Funeral Home.
"How Great Thou Art" and "The Lord's Prayer" were sung by Gib Clark accompanied by Marcia Clark, organist.
Pallbearers were Gene Uhl, Garth McMillen, Sherman Ruona, Cecil Wilson, Vernie White, and Keith Tucker. Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery, Coldwater, Kansas.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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