Dear Joann,
Just heard of John's passing. I know that he is happy and healthy in heaven. I think of you often and remember your great insight in our Bible studies we held in Upper Marlboro at the office.
Most Sincerely
Robert McCauley

I will alway remember John as a kind Texas gentleman. His gentleness and his ability to get his point across without anger        ( especially in board meetings) always impressed me. John loved to pick on me and always seemed to have a corny joke or funny story to tell. He definately had the gift of encouragement, which I learned to appreciate while he lived in Maryland and missed when he moved to Texas. I feel blessed to have known him.

My heart goes out to JoAnn, Cathy,Debbie, Carlton, Kevin and all the grand and great-grand kids. There is a giant hole in your family that can only be filled by the memories of John's life and the assurance of being with him again in heaven. Grace and peace to your family. 

Linda Schroth
Accokeek, Maryland

We remember John as a positive person, a man of integrity and one who laughed a lot.   We missed him a great deal when you both moved to Texas, but we are thankful for the many years when our paths came together at ENC and district gatherings.  JoAnn, we pray God's love and grace on you now and in the future when your loss  may seem to be even greater.

Over sixty years ago, when he left Olmito TX and the San Benito church to attend Bethany Nazarene College (now SNU), John Stroman and I became close friends.  He was already a strong Christian.  We played ping pong, "moon" (with dominoes), touch football, softball, and miniature golf.  We double dated, did harmless campus mischief, took classes and studied together.  We were roommates, schoolmates, and eventually, I was professor--he was student.  He helped me buy my first car, helped me learn to drive, and introduced me to my first steady girl friend.  We played trumpets in band, sang in the mens' choir and a (pretty good) quartet. (After meeting him, my dad said, "That boy has a head on his shoulders".) He saw me hit the only home run I ever hit in my whole life.  After I was married, he was our first dinner guest, resplendent in his Navy uniform. I met his brother, David, and Boyd and Jan Hancock (I sang in their church--Jonesboro--in a later quartet).  I am really sorry I never met Jo Ann, Debbie, or Cathy (or the grandchildren).  I am terribly sorry that I cannot attend his service--many of his friends were my friends also and I would love to have seen them.  The whole family is in my prayers.  John was a encouragement to everyone who knew him.  His life was a blessing to the world; his passing dimishes the world and makes Heaven brighter.  I will miss him!  To John's grandchildren:  Hold your heads high--your grandfather was a man among men, an example you can safely follow, and you can meet him in Heaven--guaranteed!

We have many fond memories of John.  Beginning with High School Sunday School teacher for Joy to Spiritual mentor to Harry.  We will always remember our times of fun and fellowship.


In Jesus Name,

So sorry to hear of John's passing.  He is in a much better place and he suffers no more.

John was a great model of living life to the fullest. We pray God's presence will be especially close to all of you during this time, and we trust you will feel the love and support of your extended family.

55 years ago when this dashing, young, young, good looking naval officer came calling to take my even much younger sister to a tennis match in Atlanta, GA, little did I know that he would become closer to me than a brother.
Words fail to express my admiration and love for God's servant, John Stroman, who the Lord chose to take home before extreme pain developed.
Jo, you will be close to my heart as well as in our prayers.  You are a sister to be proud of!!
We love you and the girls,

My heart is breaking today as I realize I will not see my Uncle John again here on this earth.  I will miss him.  He was a wonderful uncle and an inspirational leader in our family. His sacrificial love, care and concern was always evident. He traveled miles to be with us in times of joy and in times of sorrow. He welcomed us many times into his home.

I am immensely saddened for Aunt JoAnn, Debbie, Cathy and their families.  Indeed I hurt for our entire family and for all of John’s friends, for we will miss someone who has prayed for us, has encouraged us, has loved us and made us feel important.  I am convinced, however, that today Uncle John is doing a lot better than we are.  He is enjoying incredible fellowship with his Heavenly Father and with his family and friends who have gone before him. He no longer has to be concerned with a weak, frail body.  He’s experiencing more energy, health and happiness than he ever knew here on this earth.

I may not see him again here on this earth, but he will always hold a special place in my heart.  And I will see him one of these days in a better place.

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a Christian gentleman. Ann and I were talking over the weekend about him and how neither of us can ever remember hearing him say anything negative or unkind about anyone. We have fond memories of the visits to Grandmama Taylor's in SC when the whole Taylor clan would gather and eat boiled peanuts. He will be missed by the entire family. Praying for God's grace and peace to comfort all of you today and in the days ahead. Love you.

We're sorry for your loss.  John was always a favorite person to share time with in our old Friday lunch bunch.  We'll miss his wit and his always positive attitude.

Anyone who came to know John Stroman knew they had in him a constant friend, a Christian counselor, someone to laugh with and someone who would give a hug when you needed it.When you speak of John you also speak of JoAnn. What an amazing team they were. I've known few couples with the gift of Christian Hospitality that John and JoAnn showed. Their home was always filled with joyful laughter, meaningful conversations and amazing aromas from JoAnn's kitchen.We share in the joy of John's homecoming and in supportful prayer of all the family who will feel a huge void that only John could fill.

Boni and I have had the awesome privilege of having John for our brother-in-law for many years. His life has impacted us in many ways. Boni has said many times that he feels John was his "soul-mate" and they did have a lot in common. We will always remember and appreciate the support and many visits he and Jo made when Mother was living with us for 10 years. The fun,fellowship and family times were always special. Even the teasing of the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Redskins football teams, especially when the Cowboys won!! Most of all, we will remember John's sweet, gentle spirit and his love for the Lord. We can't really explain how much we loved him and being able to share in his life. JoAnn you know our prayers are always with you and the whole family. Love, Pat and Boni

John will be remembered as a true statesman of the church, a godly teacher and mentor, humble servant, bridge-builder, spirit-filled example and ambassador for Christ, both at Melwood and on the Washington/Mid-Atlantic District. He (and you) will always be a part of the Melwood Family. Our hearts grieve with you all. May he rest in peace and may God grant you His grace and peace and ever-present help during these days.

Joann, my heart broke for you when I received the news. Although I have only met John in person a few times, I knew he was a special man. But I really knew he was special everytime you spoke his name you got a twinkle in your eyes. His wit,humor and devotion will always be remembered. My love to you and your family.

Les and I will always treasure the day spent with you just a few weeks ago.  Our hearts and prayers are with you now, even though our own circumstances prevent us from being there in person.  We love you and cannot really express adequately the tremendous influence and enrichment you and Uncle John infused into our lives over the years.

I didn't know he was an Edwin. There are so few of us. I cherish our days when we worked together at IBM SOOOOOO long ago. Our now grown up children have fond memories of our christening voyage with Sunny the new Itasca in 1979. They loved traveling in your motor home. I am grateful that John reestablished contact in these past few years and shared his articles on faith. He was a loving brother and friend and I thank God for His merciful homecoming for John. We rejoice for John and mourn for ourselves. May the Lord mercifully console you in your loss.

We were so sorry to hear about John's passing.John was an exceptional and caring person!We really enjoyed the times we were able to get together with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.

Dear Joann & family we are sorry for your loss and will be praying for you. John was a very special friend to our family. He was a light in a dark world and a true friend. He always knew what God wanted for me and my family. The lord spoke through him many times. We are blessed to have known him and will miss him terribly. Much love and prayer. Anna & Francisco Quiroga & family. (Houma,LA)

Dear Joanne, Cathy, Debbie and family, we were so sad to hear of John's passing but know that he is in a better place.  We all have fond memories of times spent together as our children were growing up and will always cherish these times.  You all are in our thoughts and prayers.  Much love, Libby Taylor and family (Georgetown, SC)

It's difficult to express the impact of John's life on my life (and the life of our family).  Throughout my life I have considered John as a 2nd father and the Stroman family as apart of the Freese family. He helped embody the Grace/Melwood Church Family spirit, which created a secure and fulfilling atmosphere that is difficult to define and has never been matched. It was an extention of family, which made life just more secure and complete.  Knowing John meant that you had a constant friend who would always brighten your day with his quick wit, quirky humor, and trusted guidance. I don't know where I would be today without his example and leadership. While the miles and time tend to diminish the influence of such a powerful influence, nothing changes the fact that John is a huge piece of the frabric of our family. John is with my mom and dad now, along with many cherished friends and church family who have preceeded us, but the many memories will linger for the rest of my life. Our love,thoughts, and prayers to JoAnne, Debbie,Cathy and their families.

Dearest Joanne, Debbie, Cathy and Familiy,
May God be with you all! John was a dear and special Man of God. I have so many memories through the years at Grace and Melwood Church. The one thing that stands out in my mind, was when at my Mothers Funeral, as her casket was being pushed down the isle at Melwood, John saw the sadness and grief Dad was going through.  John came up front and knelt in front of my Dad (Henry Sweeney) and held his hands and talked to him..He told Dad he was a good man and had many precious years with Mom and so many memories and that he would see her again! He kept talking to Dad until they had set up the casket for viewing during the funeral. He then hugged Dad and told him God would help him through this sorrowful time! I never forgot that,nor did Dad. He often brought up to me how John had comforted him and prepared him for Mom's casket..Life is so Short! When I hear of deaths of our Dear Friends, it makes me realize even more than ever..we all must be ready to meet our Saviour! Please know that we care and love you all!
Bob & Donna Palmer & Family

Jo Ann, Debbie, and Family:  I'm very saddened to hear of John's passing.  He was one of the finest Christian men I have ever known.  I have very fond memories of my time at Melwood Church of the Nazarene and was somewhat shocked when Judy sent me the e-mail saying John had passed away.  I pray that your faith in God and in Christ will sustain you in what must be a very difficult time for all of you.  May the "peace that passeth all understanding" be yours now, and forever.  And may your memories of John also sustain you as you mourn his passing.

John and Jo Ann were more important in our lives than anyone will ever know.  We thank God for the great gift of John Stroman to all of us who were blessed by him, but the Parrott family is especially grateful.  God bless.

Jo Ann - I wanted to tell you again how special John (and you) have been in my life.  I can't believe that it has been almost 50 years of friendship, since back at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Hillside, Maryland.  John taught me some wonderful lessons in Sunday School, and you were always the Christian woman that I looked up to and wanted to be.  It has been a blessing to have you both in my life.  When I spoke to mother (Helen Meetre) on the phone, she told me to send her love and to let you know that you are in her prayers.  I know that John is with our Savior (and my dear twin, Sandy) and rejoicing to be together.  We will keep holding on to our faith and know that someday we will be with them again.  I love you and will see you at John's service on Tuesday.
Love (eternally) Sharon (Meetre) Gines, Houston, Texas

I am so sorry for you families loss.  Even though I have not known him long, I really enjoyed visiting with him.  He had a great wit, and sense of 
humor, which reminded me of my dad.  I am praying for you all.

Dear Jo Ann,  It was with great sorrow that I received your email on John's passing.  He and I had some fine times together.  I remember our friendship with pleasure.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

We are so saddened by your loss but rejoice to know that he will never suffer anymore.  That is even better than death.  Look forward to being reunited again in heaven.  God bless
Alvin & Mary Cooper - Greenville, SC

John has always been such a faithful friend, encouraging, uplifting and a true man of integrity.  He will be missed but I rejoice that he's now  with our Lord, in His presence.  I will always love and miss you, John.

John has been a great friend since college days.  My daughters have loved him for his humor and loving attention. Last summer when our Jill was in Port Arthur she was thrilled when John and his family made a special trip to see her. He was a loyal friend.

We carry many fond memories of time spent together at Melwood Church of the Nazarene.  The very first invitation to someone's home for dinner after turning our lives over to Christ came from you (JoAnn) and John.  I still remember the nervous knots as we sat down to dinner.  It saddens us greatly to learn of John's homegoing and our prayers are with you, Cathy, Debbie and both their families.  May the grace and peace that only Christ can provide bring you comfort during your time of sorrow.

One more reason to make heaven my eternal destination -- the sure knowledge that this wonderful uncle is already there!  I loved his sense of humor, as well as the wisdom he shared.  I'm sure there is a wonderful reunion taking place today.

Dear Jo Ann,
John and I are sorry to hear about John's passing. We will miss his jokes and his encouraging words

I was blessed to know John,Jo Ann, Debbie, & Cathy at Melwood Church of the Nazarene. John was a strong Christian leader all of us on the Church Board of Trustees and Stewards respected, and he respected everyone else.He was a good example of what a Christian should be,as teacher and as a person.
Love and prayers are sent to you upon John's "Graduation" to something better where we all hope to go sometime.Eloise Miller(James 1:5)

A great Christian has gone home. John (and JoAnn) encouraged Claude and me when we first attended Melwood. He was a wise, generous and funny man. His theology was solid and his love of God contagious. He will be missed. JoAnn know that our prayers and love are with you and your family.

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.  He was a gentle man and I still remember him from our days in San Benito together.  May you find peace in knowing that he is with the Lord now.

So sorry to hear that John has left us.  I was so fond of all the Stromans, but always knew how strong John was. My sympathy and prayers for all of you.

We came to know John when we began attending Melwood Church of the Nazarene  in Maryland.  John's sweet spirit and wry sense of humor were so endearing. His devotion to the Lord was an inspiration.  Our lives are richer for having known him and having the privilege of hearing his gems of wisdom.  May the Lord  grant comfort and peace to John's family.  Surely, Heaven is just a bit brighter today.   Gordon and Sue Childers, Waldorf, Maryland

My heart aches today at the loss of a dear friend. Not just a friend to me but a Dad I'll always cherish. His leadership and love were a mentoring style I'll always miss. 
I Love you

Sorry to hear of John's death!! I didn't know him long, but was impressed by his enthusiasm and positive attitude!
Joe and Lynda allen( Jack Allen's youngest son)

You are in ours thoughts and prayers.  We had such fun with you guys in Corpus and D.C.  We remember precious times at your house and how you took us under your wing in Corpus and made us feel so at home.
We send our love,
Clete and Bonnie Gregory

So Sorry for your loss.  The loss of a parent is very hard but our God is greater and can help you in the most difficult times of aloneness.  Love you all Ann and Rocky Joyner

I had a special place in my heart for John, and I like to think that he had a special place for me, too.  He never gave up on me, even when he found out I was a "doubter". I appreciated his humor and intellect and kindness.  I will deeply miss him.

My prayers are with you.  I missed John after I Left Lake Houston.  I will miss his emails.
Mary Havens
Pilot Point TX

Mr. Stroman was like a father to us. His inspiration, compassion, and understanding were very helpful to us.  We will miss him greatly.

We were so sorry to hear of our friend John's passing.Well, he's more than a friend, he's family and we are going to miss him a lot. There are lots of good times that we will long remember.We wish we could be there to help with your grief. Be sure to remember that we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.Our prayers are that you will feel the love of God as well as your family and friends as you face the future. 
Love
Don & Shirley Bowser

Remember that your loss is shared by many friends, who care and that you're in our thoughts, our hearts and in our every prayer.

John was a good and precious friend.  I really enjoyed his small-group devotional class before his illness and his blog.  We pray that our Good Lord will give you His peace and assurance during these times of sorrow.

OBITUARY

John Edwin Stroman

April 2, 1933 – September 23, 2011

Kingwood Funeral Home

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