Pastor Thomas Ray Straka

Pastor Thomas Ray Straka went to be with his Savior on September 10, 2025. He was born on February 4, 1941 in Oklahoma City, OK to parents Emil V Straka and Vernetta K (Novak) Straka. He graduated from U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City in 1959. Attending Oklahoma State University, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry. Following his call to the Ministry, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. While there, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Janice Green of Marietta, South Carolina. He began pastoring his first church in Oswego, Kansas, got married on August 26, 1966, and later graduated from Seminary in 1967.

Tom and Carolyn welcomed into the world two daughters, Renee in 1969 and Myra in 1974. Throughout his Ministry, he served in churches in Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, and Oklahoma. Additionally, he had a passion for Missions, and routinely went on domestic and foreign Mission Trips, sharing the love of Christ.

He loved growing up on the farm, and maintained a garden most of his life. He also enjoyed watching Westerns and reading. He spent numerous hours creating leathercraft. However, his favorite pastime was spending time in God’s word and sharing the Gospel. The Cowboy Preacher will be greatly missed. He was well loved by his family and congregations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Vernetta Straka, and his sister Linda Schieber.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Straka; his daughters Renee Brown (husband Troy) and Myra Straka; granddaughter Ashton Brown; brother Gary Straka (wife Margaret); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to The International Mission Board, www.imb.org

A visitation for Thomas will be held from 5pm-7pm Monday, September 15, 2025 and from 9am-11am at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home At Sunny Lane Cemetery, 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115. A funeral service will occur at 2pm Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159. Thomas will be laid to rest at Czechoslovakian National Cemetery in Oklahoma City, OK.