Theodore Francis Strauss

February 14, 1937

November 17, 2024

I was the son of Frances and Theodore Strauss, their third child. Sisters Adele and Norma were 18 and 16 when I was born. They married young and left home when I was a toddler.

Growing up I played baseball and soccer on the city streets and fished at Carondelet Park. I was a member of the Knot Hole Club for the St. Louis Browns and St. Louis Cardinals and never missed a game, going on the Grand Avenue street car from South St. Louis to North at Sportsmen's Park.

When I was seven years old Dad gave me a sawed of golf club and that began my love of the game. As I got bigger and stronger I played every chance I got in Forest Park. I caddied for quarters. That really improved my knowledge of the game.

I attended grade school at St. Anthony's and graduated high school at St. Marys. After graduation I enrolled at Saint Louis University and completed the freshman year. I was a member of Junior Achievement and was given a chance to go to work at Crunden Martin. I worked in the office for a year and was offered a traveling salesman position in Southern Missouri and Illinois. I sold farm products and galvanized trash cans.

In 1961 I accepted employment with Adderton Brokerage Company where I stayed for 30 plus years when I took early retirement at age 58. I worked in sales until an position opened as Office Manager/HR Vice President.

Upon retirement it was golf, golf, and more golf. I was a member at Bogey Hills for more than 40 years.

So many friends and good times.

While retired we travelled extensively and enjoyed so many wonderful trips and long vacations. Lots of memories until old age made us a stay at home couple. But those were good years.

The best day of my life was June 4, 1953. The Catholic Youth Conference had a cruise on the Admiral Boat and I met the love of my life on the dance floor. I won a coin toss with my Buddy and danced with her first. Never let her go after that dance.

We dated for five years. We were only 16 and 14 - had a lot of growing up to do. My wife of 66 years was Ruth Ann Taylor. But don't ever call her that. She is her Dad's Penny from heaven.

From the moment I met the Taylor family they embraced me as their own. I ended up with one sister and four brothers. All younger. At the time of my passing I was the Patriarch of the family. Because of the age differences I became a friend/brother-in-law, brother, and father. I was quite the advisor and hope I made a difference in their lives. I was loved and I loved them. Mom and Pop Taylor were good parents and raised a wonderful family including me!

Penny and I were married on November 8, 1958. I had a good life and a good marriage. Think of me but don't be sad. So many wonderful memories and no regrets.