Gene W. Strahan Sr., affectionately known to all as "Gene" was born to Willie and Gentle Mae
Strahan on April 20, 1937. Gene was grateful for the upbringing that he received at the hands of
parents who had a 2nd & 5th grade education, however, taught him valuable life lessons and instilled
in him a love for God, his family and people.
As a teenager, Gene loved going up into the country during the summer when school was out to stay
with his grandmother, Lillie Fowler in Indian Hill, TX, who was the 1st generation out of slavery,
affectionately known as "Aunt Coot" to many, Gene's great-grandmother, Mrs. Lonnie Links was a
slave for the first 11-12 years of her life. He credited his grandmother with the enforcement of his
mother and father's teachings, and with teaching him how to plow, and cultivate and grow food.
Gene graduated from Wiergate High School, Wiergate, TX in 1955 several weeks after his eighteenth
birthday. He was the first of 9 children to receive a High School diploma. His parents were thrilled
and very proud of him. Gene enlisted into the Army in June 1955, uninformed and unprepared
for the world he was about to face. He did so with boldness and courage. At the age of 32 years old,
the father of 5 children, he enrolled at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) in the Industrial
Arts four-year degree program where he graduated Cum Laude. He would later go back to obtain
his graduate degree, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Industrial Arts and taught Industrial Arts.
Gene married Louise Traylor on May 31, 1957 and to this union, six children were born.
Gene is preceded in death by his father, Willie Strahan; mother, Gentle Mae Strahan; daughter,
Debra Strahan; brothers, James Strahan (Deloris) and Jack Strahan; and sister, Mary Strahan.
Gene leaves to continue his legacy: his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Louise; children,
Sandra, Gene Jr., Christopher, Victor and Michael Sr.; grandchildren, Tiffany (Ruben), Toyka,
Brett, Christopher, Tayshia, Tanita, Michael Jr., Dorian, Isabella and Sophia; great-grandchildren,
Kayshawn, Kalen and Ryland; brothers, Arthur Ray (DeLois Jean), Raymond (Ivory) and Donald
Strahan; sisters, Joyce Baker and Glendora Strahan; and sister-in law, Theresa Peacock; in addition
to an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
version 2 Gene Willie Strahan funeral program.indd 6 9/3/20 12:36 PM

Arrangements are under the direction of Allen Dave Funeral Home and Crematorium

2103 Cypress Landing Dr. Houston, Texas 77090. 713-480-2966

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.AllenDave.com