Bill Stracener was born July 2, 1927, in Childress, Texas, to William D. Stracener and Letha (Lansdale) Stracener. He passed away March 18, 2020, in Helena, Montana.
Bill grew up in and around Gilmer and Bettie, Texas. Bill spent two years in the U.S. Navy, during which he traveled to the South Pole. After his discharge from the Navy, he married Theresa (Terry) Collins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 8, 1947. They returned to Texas where Bill worked as a cabinet maker for a few years. He worked in the oil fields in Texas, Oklahoma and Utah before following the oil north to Montana, the Dakotas and Wyoming in the early 1950s. He settled in Wolf Point, Montana in 1963 and bought the Conoco station in 1970. He raised his family in Wolf Point and retired in 1995.
After Terry’s passing in 1995, Bill traveled between Montana and Texas, finally relocating to Big Sandy, Texas. He married Nellie Hughleen Mayfield on October 20, 1997. Hughleen passed away in 2001.
Bill spent time gardening, canning and playing music. Together, he and companion Gwen Tuel attended church at the Little Mound Baptist Church. Bill and his brother Al Frank were members of a band that played for Tuesday night dances at the East Texas Yamboree Building.
Gwen passed away in March 2019. Bill suffered a heart attack in May 2019. After rehabilitation in Gilmer, Texas, he relocated to Helena, Montana, where he resided at Touchmark until his death.
Bill enjoyed visiting family, friends and relatives, gardening, fishing, playing guitar, metal detecting and playing dominos and cards. He will be remembered for many things including his generosity of time, sharing his baked goods and the fruits of his garden, his ability to meet a stranger and leave as friends, his signature bib overalls and his wonderful musical abilities.
Bill has 77 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Terry Stracener; sisters Elaine Huskey, Bonita Lay and Gloria Holmes; son John Stracener; wife Hughleen Stracener; granddaughters Sayra Mahto and Emily Irwin; great-grandsons Logan Stracener, Ty Bruner and Brayden Stracener; and companion Gwen Tuel. He is survived by his daughters Joan (Ron) Scott, Tammy (Orlan) Olson, Kristi (Larry) Irwin and Kim (Larry) Kurokawa; sons Bob (Cheryl) Stracener, Tom Stracener and Ron (Diane) Stracener; brother Al Frank Stracener and sister Ann Grasso.
Bill’s family will be forever grateful for the care and kindness of extended family in the Gilmer area, Bill’s Texas neighbors, the Little Mound Baptist Church family, the staff at the Gilmer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the staff at Touchmark in Helena, his musician families, and his friends he considered family.
Services will be held at a later date with burial to take place in Wolf Point, Montana.
Memorials can be made to the Gilmer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 703 Titus St., Gilmer, TX, 75644, or to the Little Mound Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1387, Gilmer, TX, 75644.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Brian & JoAnn Nelson says
Condolences and prayers for the family
Keeta Clemens says
My sincere sympathies to the family. We lost a true gentleman whom will be missed by many.
Dennie, Melissa Reum & family says
Condolences & prayers to the Stracener’s Family.
Shane & Diann Gibso says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill was a great guy and will be missed.
Shane & Diann Gibson
Alice Christensen says
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family.He May be gone but never forgotten. He lives on in everyone that knew him.
Marty reum says
Awe that’s sad to hear. Bill and my father played music when I was a young man and he was a talented musician. Rip Bill.
Mary Glenn says
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing!
Prayers for the repose of his soul.
Warren Crowe says
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Stracner family. Or the Conoco crew , as my mom referred to Bill and the kids working there.
Tim Glyshaw says
I can see Bill enjoying his time now with friends and family! Again that have went before him. See you again one day Bill !
The Glyshaw’s
Deanna Smith Nash says
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a sweet kind man and I know you will miss him dearly.
Clayton Reum and Family says
From Clayton and Donna Reum and Family
Just heard the news of Bill’s passing and was saddened to hear it. We spent a lot of time playing music and just visiting. Just talked with Bill on the phone not to long ago.I sure enjoyed hearing from him. Sure will miss one of the best friends I ever had and miss hearing Bill pick his guitar like no one else could. Rest in peace my friend and know that you were loved and respected by all. Our condolences to all the family and friends.
Dale Stensland says
My condolences to the family. Bill was a good Man, Friend, excellent guitar player. I really enjoyed the hour’s of conversation & picking.
Maggie Willoughby Ratliff says
Kim and the Stracener families, I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. What a full and beautiful life he had. A beautiful legacy. Treasure your memories, especially the joy and laughter. I pray for you all peace and strength through this as closure will have to come at a much later time. These are unusual times and what happens when we lose someone during this time creates an additional type of grief and frustration. Be well, love much, laugh often. Blessings.
Trudy Fox says
Condolences to all of Bill’s family. He was one who always gave you a smile and will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers.
Mike & Kathy (Mickolio) Manders says
Ron and all Stracener Family – So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a kind man! Loved hanging out with you and your wonderful family, Ron. Mom, Dad, crazy fun sisters, quiet brothers…everyone so generous with their time towards family and friends. A great testimony to your folks! You are all in our prayers – he will be very missed!
Gail Green says
I just saw this of Bill’s passing. I loved his music. I loved his wife’s ornament that she made for Grace Ann Green. Kim and Bob and the rest of your family I send my condolences. If I had known he was in Helena I would have come to say hello. Love to you all. Our Lord’s promise is a wonderful truth.