Paul E. Strauch Sr.

Paul E. Strauch Sr., 84, of Eldon, passed away Monday, October 15, 2012, at Lake Regional Health Systems in Osage Beach. He was born on February 1, 1928, in Jefferson City, the son of the late Raymond Strauch and Anna Sophia (Sauer) Strauch Viesman. On August 3, 1991, in Rocky Mount, he was united in marriage to Peggy L. (Gray) Gift Strauch, who survives of the home. After attending a one-room schoolhouse in Brazito, Paul graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1946. He served in the United States Army during World War II in Alaska as a Radio Intelligence Officer where he earned the World War II Victory Medal and Army Occupation Medal of Japan. While in Alaska he studied at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks for two years. He was employed with the Dept. of Corrections for 37 years. After his retirement he built a woodworking shop where he made crafts, and he attended many craft shows. He also was employed as a courtesy cart driver with Hy-Vee in Lake Ozark. He was a member of the Lake Area Community Orchestra, volunteered for the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Eldon VFW Post #2442 where he served as an officer and in the Military Funeral Honors Team. Paul was also an active member of the Lake Ozark Christian Church in Lake Ozark. He enjoyed dancing, music, traveling, trout fishing and camping, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his children: Kimberly Rae (Strauch) Hancock and her husband John of Monroe City, Jodell DeNeen Strauch of Maryville, Steven R. Strauch and his wife Susan of Mt. Vernon, Michael W. Gift and his wife Malana of Broken Arrow, Okla.; Myles W. Gift and his wife Amanda of St. Louis, and Darrell Plaster and his wife Tammy of Centertown; 13 grandchildren, Michael Strauch, Scott Strauch, Paul Hancock, Karen (Hancock) Kendrick, Kathryn Hancock, Katy Gift, Paige Gift, Alexa Gift, Ian Gift, Tyler Gift, Madyson Gift, William Gift, Emma Gift; two great- grandchildren; a sister, Dolores Walther and her husband Howard of Taos. Two sons, Paul E. Strauch Jr. and Scott G. Gift, and a daughter, Michelle S. Gift, preceded him in death. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 18, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Ozark Christian Church in Lake Ozark. Funeral Service will be on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Lake Ozark Christian Church in Lake Ozark, with Rev. Larry Gallamore and Rev. Steven R. Strauch officiating. Interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City with full military honors provided by the Eldon VFW Post #2442. Memorials for Paul are suggested to the Lake Ozark Christian Church, the American Heart Association or the Eldon VFW Post #2442. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.phillipsfuneralhomeeldon.com Arrangements are under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon.