Truman Strader

1948 - 2025

Truman Strader, 77, of Sonora, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Truman was born March 6, 1948, on the family farm to the late Floyd and Katherine Strader. He was a member of White Mills Christian Church. He was always proud to tell that he helped dig the basement to the church when he was a boy.

Truman was born and raised on the family farm owned by his parents, where he spent his entire life. He built a house on the farm and later bought the farm once his parents passed. He was a horse and cattle trader his whole life. He loved to drive his car up to the fence and just sit and watch his cows. He was quick to let Chris or Sonya know if something didn't look right with any of the cattle. His son-in-law, Chris, and his grandsons, Levi and Case, helped keep things on the farm going the last several years. He said many times he couldn't have kept the farm running without his son-in-law Chris, who lived next door. He raised tobacco for many years as well. He loved animals and always had a dog. He owned many blue heelers throughout the years including two who were really special, Speck and Sully, and his rat terrier, Lucy. His stray dog, Holly, that just appeared at the shop was his current dog who he loved to spoil. Of the many horses he had, he would tell you ole Kunie was the best one he ever owned.

He also ran Strader's Used Cars, which he operated until his passing. His brother, Milton, was a huge help to him at the car lot the last several years. His late brother, Billy, spent time working on the car lot with him too. He and his brother, Milton, also operated Strader's Grocery in White Mills from 1977-1981.

Brother Tim Dennis will officiate his service.

He made it known he wanted to be laid to rest at the car lot on the farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Katherine Strader; an infant daughter, Tonya Strader; his four brothers, Ruel Strader, Harold Strader, Jimmy Strader and Billy Strader; and a sister, Gladys Lucas.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Strader; two daughters, Sonya (Chris) Rogers of Sonora and Fawn (Joe) Stults of Hodgenville. He always teased and said Sonya and Fawn were the only two boys he ever had. They loved the farm as much as any boy could have. He was blessed with five grandsons, Levi and Case Rogers and Tate, Clay and Wade Stults. They knew where to go for cash as he started giving them dollar bills from his shirt pocket as soon as they were born.

He also is survived by his brother, Milton (Donna) Strader of Hodgenville; and a sister, Bertha (Jack) Puckett of Glendale. He had many very special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

The funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. Burial follows at his residential farm in Sonora.

Visitation for Truman is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and continues from 9 a.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers for Truman include Chris Rogers, Levi Rogers, Case Rogers, Joe Stults, Tate Stults, Clay Stults, Scotty Strader, David Strader and J.J. Skees. Honorary pallbearer is Wade Stults.