Obituary

John Paul Strain, 72, died Tuesday (Sept. 14, 2010) in Wichita.

He was born on Aug. 8, 1938, to John P. and Marjorie P. (Bushell) Strain in Garden City. John spent most of his working career in the aircraft industry including Boeing, Beech, Raytheon and Hawker Beechcraft.
He also worked more than 16 years for the Santa Fe Railroad and owned John Strain Roofing Co. for several years. His work ethic was impeccable, not retiring from Hawker Beechcraft until after his 71st birthday.

He was a member of the Elk's Lodge and an associate member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion of Newton. During the years, he enjoyed many activities including fishing, golfing, dancing, playing cards and taking gambling trips with his family. He had a competitive spirit, especially when playing checkers with his mom. He passed on his passion for game playing to all of his children.
John was a loving husband and father. He valued relationships more than material things. He was generous and truly cared about anyone in need. He was well-respected and loved by many. He had a special place in his heart for his cats.

John is survived by his wife, Sophia; mother, Marjorie; children, John Strain of Goddard, Tammie Hall, Tracie Strain, Terri Reimer, Brenda McCourry and Cristie Likins, all of Newton, Traci Chiarelli of Grouton, Conn., and Doug Likins of Lawrence; sisters, Sidney Tatro of Clairmore, Okla., Marion Miller of Collinsville, Okla., Linda Baldwin of Moundridge and Jackie Hawk of Marion; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the Petersen Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. James Anderson will preside. In lieu of flowers, memorial suggestions are for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.