Al Straten

Alphonse "Al" Straten, age 92, of Northcrest, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, December 11, 2019 in Allen. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2019 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with The Very Rev. Will Straten as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday at Waco Memorial Park, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. Al was born June 26, 1927 in Leroy, the son of Frank and Hattie (Schorn) Straten. He attended St. Martin's School in Tours and West High School. On October 7, 1948 he was united in marriage to Molly Jane Halamik in West. Al proudly served his country with the United States Navy during the World War II with the SeaBees. He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours. He was also a member of American Legion Post #121, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Council in Bellmead, 4th Degree Assembly #2391 in West and the United Rubber Workers Union. Al served as a Councilman and Judge for the City of Northcrest for many years. He worked for General Tire and Rubber Company for 36 years before retiring in 1986. He then went to work for Electronic Data Systems in Plano for 5 years before retiring again in 1992. Al enjoyed deep sea fishing, working in his yard, repairing go-karts and bicycles, and playing dominos and bingo. He loved to watch the grandkids play their sports and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He was known as a "Gentleman's Gentleman". Al is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Molly Jane Straten; his parents; a sister, Angeline Debbendener; brothers, Daniel and Urban Straten; and a very special friend, Anna Beseda. Survivors include his daughters, Stephanie Varnell and husband J.R. of Allen and Clarisse Boss and husband Robert of Coppell; his grandchildren, Shane Varnell, Bradley Boss and wife Dalia, Stuart Boss and wife Danielle, Grant Varnell and wife Megan, and Courtney Bauer and husband Lucas; his great grandchildren, Alec, Brinley, Lennon, Emilia, Caroline, Nolan and McCartney; a brother, Emanuel Straten; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Shane Varnell, Grant Varnell, Bradley Boss, Stuart Boss, Lucas Bauer, and Preston McCoy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours.