Gerald Strayer

Gerald “Jerry” M. Strayer, 89, passed away at 10:38 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Rita’s Hospital. 

Gerald was born on April 29, 1935, in Lima, Ohio, to the late LaVerne F. “Dutch” Strayer and Geraldine (Detrick) Strayer. On January 13, 1954, he married Wanda K. (Osmon) Strayer, who survives in Lima, Ohio.

He loved to sing. Whether it was singing with his mother as a boy, in high school choirs or in the car while listening to the radio, he loved music. As a young man, Gerald enjoyed driving a fast (and loud!) car or motorcycle, occasionally taking his 1958 Chevrolet Impala to the track. Before graduating from Elida High School, he enlisted in the Marines, serving during the Korean War as an aviation electronics technician. Throughout the rest of his life, repairing and trading CB radio equipment was a favorite hobby. Jerry had a lot of fun and made lasting friends among the CB radio community, where he was better known by his handle of “Straw Boss”. 

 Upon retiring from a management career in Trucking and Warehousing, he moved back to his hometown of Lima to be closer to family. He found a retirement job that gave him joy - delivering flowers. What a job! He wasn’t stuck in an office, he liked connecting with people, and he was physically active and driving. As he said, “Most of the people I meet are smiling, they are happy to get flowers”.

His wife and family were the most important part of his life, and we all knew it. He deeply loved his wife, Wanda of 70 years. 

Along with his wife he is survived by his children, Keith R. (Joan) Strayer and Ann S. (Michael) Noone; his grandchildren, Tara (Kenton) Mustain, Aaron (Erin) Strayer and Joseph Noone; great-grandchildren: Caleb and Cameron Mustain, and Josephine and Amelia Strayer; and sister-in-law, Nancy Strayer. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ray L. Strayer.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Paul Scannell will officiate. The burial will be at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 105 E. Main Street, Elida, Ohio 45807 or the charity of your choice.

 Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.