Brian Strange

Brian Allen Strange, age 57, of California, MO, passed away November 18, 2022 at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital.
He was born on January 9, 1965, in Belleville, IL, son of Michael Allen and Margaret Bell (Millikin) Strange. Brian attended Altoff High School in Belleville, Illinois, from which he graduated in 1983. He met the love of his life, Annette Kay Couchman, in 2007 and later married on September 6, 2019 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She survives at the home in California, Missouri.
He began his professional career as a welder/pipefitter/steamfitter working for his father and grandfather at the family business, Strange and Coleman Mechanical Contractors, in Illinois. He was very proud of his 30+ year union membership as a journeyman steamfitter starting in Steamfitters Local 439 out of Caseyville, IL and later moving to UA Local 412 Plumbers and Pipefitters out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was held in high regard for his impressive work and welding ability. Brian was a respected man in his field, a good leader, operated with integrity and had outstanding work ethic. His job gave him the opportunity to travel all over the United States for work which he loved. He was looking forward to more travel in the RV after he retired, especially going back to Tombstone, Arizona, one of his favorite places to visit.
Along with being a hard worker, Brian knew how to have a good time. He spent hours working on his 1973 Vega he was building into a street drag car. A lot of time was spent researching online figuring out the best way to get the most speed out of his car. He and his buddies in New Mexico loved to race their cars. He was always tinkering with something in his shop. Brian had also developed a love and skill for Texas Hold 'Em and Black Jack, playing during his off hours while on various jobs out of town. Once moving with his wife from New Mexico back to Missouri two years ago to be closer to family, Brian learned to love the country life. His brother-in-law Clayton taught him to be a farm hand; putting up hay and working on farm equipment. He also enjoyed playing pool and had become quite proficient over the years. He and his stick spent many Wednesday nights at "the shop" on the pool table with the neighborhood guys. He also had a huge heart when it came to animals. He had raised chickens, goats, dogs and cats over the years. He drove his wife crazy bringing home strays and the occasional horny toad. Brian especially cherished his family and always made sure they were well taken care of.
Brian is survived by his loving wife, Annette; daughter, Haylee Strange of Lubbock, Texas; stepchildren Shauna Garza (Carlos) of Russellville, Missouri, Stacia Moses of Jefferson City, Missouri and Dennis Moses of Jefferson City, Missouri; siblings, Shannon Blaes (Steven) of Belleville, Illinois and Matthew Strange of Texas; nieces Brittany Blaes and Morgan Blaes; Nephew, Aeron Strange; great nephew Aidyn; great niece, Ellerie; father-in-law, Jerry Couchman and brother-in-law, Clayton Couchman (Stormy) all of California, Missouri; sister-in-law, Diane McDowell (Richard) of Jefferson City, Missouri; eleven step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Sonny.
Brian is preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Helen Couchman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter. Donations can be by going to this link: https://www.friendsofjcas.org/donate/generaldonations/or visiting the Jefferson City Animal Shelter in person.
No services are being planned at this time. A celebration of Brian's life will be planned for later this spring.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.