The Rev. Francis A. Strother passed away into life with our Heavenly Father at 4 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2013, in a local nursing home, after a long battle with heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Francis was born on March 26, 1929, in Knickerbocker, Texas to parents George and Fannie Strother. He was a violinist and a mandolin player since early childhood, but preferred "fiddle player" over violinist. He was a farmer in his early adult life, and attended Texas Tech, where he obtained a degree in agronomy, and also attended Southern Methodist University, studying theology, prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1953. After his service in the Marines he returned home to family life in San Angelo. He married Audrey Lucille Lee of San Angelo on June 15, 1954, together they had three children, daughter Beverly, and sons David and Alan. He founded and was minister at Christian Renewal Center community church in San Angelo in 1976, and ministered there until his health issues forced him to retire from the ministry in 2008, after that he attended First Methodist Church in San Angelo. He retired from the Texas Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation after 27 years of service there. He was very active in the San Angelo community and surrounding area, serving on the board of Christians in Action, as well as working closely with many local charities and service organizations, including the Salvation Army and Lighthouse for the Blind. He dearly loved visiting at nursing homes and hospitals, providing prayer and ministry, as well as providing musical entertainment. During his service in the ministry he officiated at many weddings, baptisms and funerals. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fannie; his son, Alan Strother; his brother, Eugene Strother of San Angelo; and sister Patsy Hodges of San Angelo. He is survived by his wife, Audrey Lucille Strother of San Angelo; daughter Beverly Francis of Lewisville; and son David Strother of San Angelo. He is also survived by sister Peggy Bowen of San Angelo; and brother Travis Strother of San Angelo. He has five grandchildren; Matthew Francis of Lewisville, Sarah Francis of Lewisville, Joshua Seder of Lewisville, Christopher Lee of San Angelo, and Dawn Pitts of Spring Branch. He has six great-grandchildren; and 17 nieces and nephews, and was well loved by all that knew him. Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Sheree Harris of First United Methodist Church officiating. Viewing and visitation will be at Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo until the morning of Nov. 13, 2013, with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013. The family asks that any donations made in his honor go to Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center at Baptist Memorial in San Angelo. Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.
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