Leon Francis Strealy

Leon Francis Strealy passed away on January 10, 2014 in Mesquite, Texas. He was a long-time resident of Dallas and Quitman, Texas. Leon was born on September 21, 1923 in Burkburnett, Texas to Louis and Clementine Strealy. He grew up near Henrietta, Texas, and was a 1944 TCU graduate. He worked as an accountant for most of his adult life. Leon married Flowanda Lively on January 31, 1948 and lived in Wichita Falls before moving to Dallas and eventually Quitman. They were members of First Baptist Church where Leon enjoyed the men’s class and sang in the choir. Flo preceded him in death on January 6, 1990.

He married Lillian Mitchell on June 20, 1991 and they lived in Quitman. Leon was always very outgoing and enjoyed meeting new people. His sense of humor and joy of life were contagious. He and his wife traveled extensively for many years. While camping, he would bring out his keyboard or accordion and start playing. Folks would stroll by and stop to visit and listen to his music. He often entertained the residents of the Quitman nursing home with his music. At the annual Strealy reunions Leon played for the “sing-song” enjoyed by all. The last song on his programs was always “Amazing Grace.” Leon left a rich legacy of perseverance, joy, and optimism. He loved his family and he loved his Lord, and he will be sorely missed. He packed a lot of living into his 90 years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother (J.T. Strealy), two sisters (Thelma Hardeman and Daisy Boyce), one son (Darrell Strealy) and one great-grandson (Ryan Hartman).

Survivors include his wife, Lillian Strealy of Mesquite, TX; three children: Rita & husband Max Jones of Anson, TX; Monte Strealy & wife Tommy of Dallas,TX; Ginger & husband Tom Bieker of Fate, TX; Three grandsons: Jokton & wife Angie Strealy; Bryan & wife Lori Jones; Mark & wife Celesta Strealy; Six granddaughters: Temani & husband Chip Morrison; Caryn & husband Rob Hartman; Angela & husband Mark Barefield; Terri Strealy; Christa & husband Chris Burk; Sara & husband Matt Veigl; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Services were held on January 14, 2014 at Roselawn Cemetery, Mineola, TX, officiated by Dr. Larry Jones. Leon’s grandsons served as Pall Bearers.