Strawser, George - 1923-2008

DENNIS, FINLEY, GRIFFITH, HAMMON, HOOD, JONES, PASCHAL, STRAWSER, WHALEN

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 12/12/2008 at 21:17:25

AUSTIN, Texas – George E. Strawser, age 85, passed from this life peacefully at his Austin, Texas, home Dec. 5, 2008.
He was the son of Leona and Herman D. Hood, and was born May 9, 1923 in Newton. George joined and served the United States Army in the 168th Combat Team, 34th Division as a medical assistant. He fought at the invasion of North Africa in the British Commandos and was a POW from 1941 – 1945 and survived the Dachau prison camp. He was awarded the Military Croix de Guerre for individual accomplishments of the Allied forces. George had served as the Texas Legislative Representative Chapter Commander of the Thirteenth Capital City X POW-Association. Recently he was honored by Dan Rather and "Meals on Wheels Program" for his military service at the Bob Bullock Museum in Austin, Texas.
George was a retired professional musician with concentration of piano and saxophone both in military and citizen life. He played professionally for Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, and Woody Herman, etc. and the delight of Austin nights for many years with his musical ability. He served Jasper County and Newton as policeman and County Sheriff, while raising eight children all as his own.
George was widowed by Ruelene M. Strawser, and was preceded in death by his parents, son James "Jimmy" D. Strawser, sister Mary "Fran" Finley and his first wife Thelma Dennis Strawser.
He is survived by sisters Charlotte Whalen and Mrytle Strawser of Iowa; his beloved children William "Bill" Strawser and Melana "Kathy" Paschal of Austin, Texas, Fred (Phyllis) Jones of Edna, Texas, Carol (Jim) Hammon of Ada, Mich., Nancy Griffith of Nashville, Tenn., Robert M. Griffith of Tucson, Ariz., and Marlene "Mickey" Griffith of Wisconsin, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Austin-Peel and Son Funeral Home, 607 E. Anderson Lane Austin, Texas.
Military graveside service will be on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas.
Memorials may be made to "Meals on Wheels" or Texas POW Association, PO Box 57 Bastrop, Texas. 78602
Source: Newton(IA) Daily News; Tue, Dec. 9, 2008