Don Strange

STRANGE
Don Strange, the patriarch of the internationally renowned catering company, Don Strange of Texas Inc., passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the age of 69. Strange is best known for his larger than life presence, passion for his family and his life-long love of Texas cuisine. Don Strange is often credited by many for putting Texas on the culinary map. For the past 57 years, the name Don Strange has been synonymous with world class catering and events. From a small, family-owned grocery store and party house opened by his parents, Edith and Joe Strange in 1952, Strange grew his family business to become the quintessential Texas catering company. Strange loved Texas and promoted the flavor of the state throughout the nation from the White House, where he catered Presidential events, to the hills of Hollywood and to New York City introducing Southern hospitality and cuisine to guests across the continent and world. He was proud to share his love of authentic Texas food, such as pan de campo, the official bread of Texas, at his lavish, colorful and elegant southwest events. He was the preferred caterer for generations of Texas families at legendary ranches, haciendas and homes. Strange was an active member of the San Antonio community, volunteering his time, talents and vision to several non profit organizations. A man passionate about food, he enjoyed educating others on the importance of nutrition and was responsible for the award winning Helping Hands and Breakfast of Champions programs for the children of Roy Maas Youth Alternatives. He often shared the use of the historic Don Strange Ranch in Welfare, Texas with families, non profit organizations and Texas companies dedicated to the future of Texas children, education and commerce. But of all his passions, Strange's true love was his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Edith Strange. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Frances, his three sons and their wives, Brian and Shanan, Matt and Kelly, and Jason and Mandy, his brother, John Strange, his grandchildren, Emily, Alexandra, Austin, Molly, Jake, Parker and Olivia, his mother-in-law, Mary Singleton, his many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his dedicated staff, and of course his many clients and the guests he served so faithfully. He will be missed by all.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 15, 2009
2:00 P.M.
DON STRANGE RANCH
103 WARING
WELFARE RD.
BOERNE, TX 78006
TELE: (210) 434-2332
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, 3103 West Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78213 (210) 340-8077 and the Rotary Club of San Antonio Sam J. Riklin Rotary Diploma Plus Program, 710 McCullough, San Antonio, Texas 78215, (210) 222-8242. Flowers may be sent to Porter Loring Funeral Home.
You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com.
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