Francis Strother

Francis M. Strother MIDLOTHIAN - Francis Michael "Mike" Strother, 86, passed away peacefully to be with God, July 8, 2009, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie D. and Ethel A. Strother, formerly of Midlothian; and brothers, Clifton Strother formerly of Ashland, Va., O'Neil Strother, formerly of St. Louis, and Warren Strother, formerly of Blacksburg. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Evelyn Luther Strother. He is survived by a son, John M. Strother and daughters, Judith S. Jones (Ronald W.) and Donna S. Deekens (William G.), all of Midlothian; grandchildren, Mike and Amy Jones, and Brent and Greg Deekens, also of Midlothian. A native of Catawba, S.C., Mr. Strother moved to Hanover County, Virginia, at a young age. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and saw action aboard the battleship USS New York in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He always felt it an honor to be a part of "The Greatest Generation." He settled in Portsmouth where he met and married the love of his life, Evelyn. They became the proud parents of three children. Following the war, he was employed with Western Electric Co. He later joined C&P Telephone Co., where he enjoyed working for 42 years, retiring in 1985. Following a transfer to Richmond in 1963, he continued pursuing his education, and graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Richmond. His love of God, family and country were paramount in his life. His quiet demeanor displayed his kind, gentle and humble nature, which were attributes admired by all. His quest for knowledge was a challenge he greatly appreciated and embraced, and he loved to share his enthusiasm for learning. A self-taught carpenter and "man of many projects," his beautiful altars and podiums grace several churches and remain legacies to his faith. Mr. Strother was a former member of Cradock United Methodist Church, Portsmouth, and a current member of Westhampton United Methodist Church, Richmond. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of Richmond Lodge No. 10, where he had served as Worshipful Master. Also, he was a lifetime member of Lake Drummond Lodge No. 178, Deep Creek, Chesapeake. The family invites friends to a visitation in celebration of his life at Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., Richmond, today, July 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., preceded by a Masonic memorial service at 6 p.m. A graveside service and interment will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley, W.Va., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to any of the following: The Alzheimer's Association, or any hospice association of your choice. The family would like to thank the staff of Lucy Corr Village for their care and compassion over the past three years.