Michael "Mike" Joseph Strong

A private family celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 2:00 by Pastor William Patton at Chapel Hill Baptist Church and laid to rest in his home town Mattoon, Illinois at a later date. Baldwin-Fairchild Oviedo Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Mike was a long-time child of God. He was born on June 24th, 1942, in Mattoon Illinois the son of Oscar Joseph and Mary “Maxine” (Michaels) Strong. The family he holds dear is wife Naomi (Baxter-Roberts) Strong; brothers Kenneth (Jane) Strong of Spring Texas, Thomas (deceased) (Lou) Strong; surviving is the mother of his children Nancy (Sharp) Strong; his five children Michelle (Kenneth) Englund, Debbie (Rick) Seaman, Cathy (Mike) Nuxoll, David (Ronda) Strong, Sheri (Rusty) Mosby; his six step-children Debbie Smith, Mark (Susie) Roberts, Carol (Ray) Wells, Willie (Pam) Roberts, Matthew (Chris) Roberts, John (Kimmie) Roberts; his eight grandchildren Amanda (Ryan) Englund-Fonner, Kaylee (Michael) Falconio-Englund, Josh Michael (Nikki) Seaman, Kasey (Ty) Seaman-Milner, Lyle (Carley) Seaman, Jacob Strong, Hannah Strong, Lilly Mosby; his twelve step-grandchildren Michael (Natalie) Smith, Zach (Vianna) Smith, Calvin Roberts, Kelly (Rob) Lowe, Johnny Wells, Josh (Haley) Roberts, Luke (Kiwi) Roberts, Eryn Roberts, Tanner Roberts, Jake Roberts, James Roberts, Jesse Roberts; great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Besides being blessed with a loving family, his 11 children and 20 grandchildren, his loving legacy continues with 27 great grandchildren and the blessing of knowing two more “in the hopper”.

Mike’s first passion was farming, working on his family farm in Mattoon Illinois. He graduated from Mattoon High School in 1960. He continued his education at Eastern Illinois University obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Business in 1967. He started his career at International Harvester, Ampad, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, sold Real Estate and later became a broker opening his own office, Strong’s Real Estate Professionals. He finished his career working with his favorite son as a project manager at Strong General Contractors Inc. and retired in 2018.

His greatest joy was spending time with his loving wife Naomi, his precious family, and countless friends. Mike enjoyed traveling, exploring new adventures, and attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events and activities. Mike enjoyed the recognition as a member of the Hole-In-One club 3 separate times. He was St. Louis Cardinal’s biggest fan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chapel Hill Baptist Church 8826 Trevarthon Road, Orlando, FL 32817.