Bobby "Bob" Gene Strait

Bobby "Bob" Gene Strait, age 88, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas. Bob was born at home in Metz, Missouri, on September 18, 1935, to the late Edward H. and Gladys Faye (Goodwin) Strait.

The population of Metz in 1935 was around 200, not allowing for much work, so the family moved to Wichita, Kansas where Bob graduated from Wichita North High School before going on to tech school. It was there he enjoyed learning about electronics which gave him the basis for his career as a TV repair technician. But before that, he served in the Air National Guard and on February 24, 1956, he married his life partner, the young lady he was introduced to by friends, Carol Ann Pate. To celebrate the event, the pair didn’t go far for the honeymoon as it was a simple overnight at his brother Bill’s house.

Television repair was his trade, yet he was also a part-time realtor and later a school and charter bus driver. He truly enjoyed driving and training others, especially on the chartered rides for Kincaid where he loved seeing the beauty of our country and meeting new people while driving on those trips.

Though he enjoyed his work, it was his family which gave him the most joy, especially when it came to daughters, Sherry, Vicki, and Missy. He didn’t miss a school program or a chance to help when they asked. Teaching them how to be independent and knowing they could count on him were some of the best traits he passed down.

The family, when his girls were young, took vacations during the summer, hitting every amusement park around and later, he and Carol continued the new experiences when traveling the country and the incredible destinations, and relaxation of a cruise.

Bob wasn’t ready to slow down, yet when he had a stroke, it dictated his next steps. He leaned on his love of old radio shows and with family and friends being the most important part of his life, get-togethers became a true time of memory making.

A man dedicated to his family, country and community leaves a legacy others are proud to carry on.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Strait; sisters, Helen Strait (Infant) and Wilma McClintic; brothers: Bill, Junior, and Winnie Strait; and daughter, Vicki Strait. Those left to cherish his memory are: sister, Lou Miller; daughters, Sherry (Dan) Birkle and Missy (James) Radell; 8 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

MEMORIALS: As an expression of sympathy, the family has designated donations in Bob’s honor be made to: Home Health and Hospice of Kansas, 7607 East Harry St., Wichita, KS 67207.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday August 28, 2024 from 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM. A funeral service for Bob will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024, 10:00 AM with a graveside following, all at Resthaven Mortuary and Gardens of Memory (Garden of Prayer), 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.