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David Strack Obituary

David W. Strack, born October 20, 1924 in Blairsville, PA, passed away from complications of Alzhei-mer's disease on February 4, 2010. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and many friends in the East Texas and Oklahoma City areas.Dr. Strack served in the 82nd Airborne Division in Germany during World War II. He graduated from Pasadena College in Pasadena, CA and was ordained as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene. He received his masters from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX and his Ph.D from LSU-Shreveport. The Strack family moved to Marshall, TX in 1964. Dr. Strack was the pastor for many years at First Church of the Nazarene in Marshall, and was also the camp manager for the Dallas District Nazarene Church campground in Scottsville, TX before his retirement. Dr. Strack taught math and science for many years at Elysian Fields, TX High School and also was a substitute teacher in the Marshall ISD. He viewed teaching as a way to be a positive influence in the lives of his students. His family was very proud that he earned his doctoral degree from LSU, rather than it being an honorary conferral. He and his wife, Christine, moved from Marshall, TX to Bethany, OK in 1985, where they resided until his death. Before their move to Marshall, Dr. Strack pastored churches in Pittsburgh, PA; Portales and Artesia, NM; Brownwood, Paris, and Carthage, TX.He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Christine Strack, of Bethany, OK; daughter, Mollie Strack Lea and husband Mike Lea of Spring, TX; daughter, Martha Strack of Venus, TX; 4 grandchildren, John Lea, Greg Lea, Reagan Lea and Adam Strack; 4 great-grandchildren, Logan Lea, Marley Lea, Austin Strack, and David Strack; his brother, William Strack and wife Dorothy of Conneaut, OH; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.Services will be held at 11:00 am on Mon., Feb. 8, at Mercer-Adams Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Alzheimer's Association to aid in research for a cure to this devastating disease. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com www.mercer-adams.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oklahoman on Feb. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Sheri Ellis

January 22, 2011

I am saddened to hear of his passing.I met him hen he was pastor in Marshall,Texas. He was a great man. May God continue to keep his arms around the family.

DeeLee McJimsey

February 12, 2010

To the David Strack family:

I am so sorry about your loss and understand the devastating disease of Alzhiemers. My dad also suffered from this cruel disease before he died in 2005.

I wanted you to know what a special influence Mr. Strack had on so many students he taught. He is one of the few people I can thank for having such a positive influence on me. He made learning fun...and taught me the importance of enjoying life!! He seemed to always have a smile on his face!! Thank you for sharing him with us. With love, DeeLee McJimsey

Catherine (Trina) Oden Griffith

February 11, 2010

To the wife and family of Dr. Strack, who I am not suprised earned his doctorate, as I have always referred to him, fondly, as a genius! I was fortunate to have known him and to have had him teach me at Elysian Fields High School in several advanced subjects. I was always amazed at his vast knowledge and ability to understand any algebra problem known to man! While he was a brilliant man and teacher, I have to say he was one of my favorite teachers and as his student, you always knew he really cared about you! He touched many lives and I'm so proud and honored to have known him.
I am very saddened to learn that he suffered from complications of alzheimers disease. My dad died a few years ago from the same disease and it is very sad to watch; however, I will always remember his large, sweet smile, sense of humor and positive outlook on life. I feel blessed that God put "Mr. Strack" in my path in this life. "See you on the other side, my friend".
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

With much love and
fond memories,

Catherine (Trina) Oden Griffith
Sr. 1979
Elysian Fields High School

[email protected]

Gwen Singleton

February 11, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Rev. Strack's passing (I say Reverend because that is what my husband called him during our years @ Elysian Fields High School). He was one of my favorite teachers and I am sure he will be greatly missed. I have fond memories of Bro. Strack. He was always a very pleasant teacher and willing to help. Sincerely, Gwen & Dillard Singleton.

James Best

February 10, 2010

I'm so saddened to learn of Mr. Strack's passing. He was a very good man who really wanted the best for those of us who were lucky to have him in class. I know he was determined that I was going to understand math and never let his discouragement that I wasn't a good math student show. I have always felt fortunate that I was given the chance to know him. My sincere condolences to his family.

Freddie Pape

February 9, 2010

To the Strack family: Brother Strack was a kind and gentle man who left a impression on me when he was the pastor of the Nazarene church at Portales, N. M. Even now I recall his smile and positive spirit. He was a real soldier of the cross. Our whole family will be praying for peace and strength for you at this loss.

Teresa Rinkle-Reaves

February 8, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Strack. I lived in Elysian Fields throughout my school years, and was in many of his classes. Even as a teenager, I always felt that he was more intent on teaching 'life lessons' than 'school lessons'. I remember groups of us attending his church several times, really just because we liked him. It makes me laugh to think of the time that all of us in his class pitched in on his birthday and bought him a duck. We all thought a duck would really 'get him' because of the nickname "quack", but I recall that he really liked that duck! I suppose he could have just been modeling for us that it really is the thought that counts, but it appeared to me that he was thrilled with both the gift and the givers. I guess the joke was on us! Mr. Strack touched many lives in a meaningful and lasting way, and helped to shape so many young people. I know that so many others feel as I do, fortunate to have had him as a teacher. I know that one of God's blessings to your family, now, will be many, many wonderful memories.
Teresa Rinkle Reaves
EFHS Class of '77

Suzanne Best Wyman

February 8, 2010

I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Strack. I can't think of my years at Elysian Fields High School without thinking of Mr. Strack very fondly. He was kind enough to give me a job cleaning the camp when I needed college money. He was always trying to get us to think outside the box. He was a sweet man and he will be missed. The Strack family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne Best Wyman

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