George H. Straten, Jr.

George H. Straten, Jr., age 78, of West, passed away early Monday afternoon, August 16, 2010 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Straten was born April 6, 1932 near Leroy, the son of George H. and Agnes A. (Podsednik) Straten. On June 14, 1974 he was united in marriage to Josie Mae (Krizan) in Dallas. She preceded him in death on August 11, 1991. George worked in sales for Cameron Wholesale in Waco for 40 years before retiring in 1990. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and gambling. George was member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, SPJST Lodge #6 in Cottonwood, where he was hall manager for many years, and Knights of Columbus. His parents and a son, Blake G. Straten, and a brother, Herman Straten, also preceded him in death. Survivors include his faithful companion of 18 years, Jerelene Lenart of Irving; a son, Clifford Straten and wife Jada of Waller; two step-daughters, Patti Rosales and husband Ray of Arlington and Vicki Anderson and husband David of Irving; five brothers, Vernon Straten and wife Lucille of Arlington, Reynold Straten and wife Cyndie of West, David Straten and wife Dorothy and Johnny Straten and wife Brenda, all of Elm Mott, and Robert Straten and wife Linda of West; five sisters, Patsy Halamik and husband Joe and Dolores Otto, all of Tours, Rita Jurek and husband Richard of Waco, Annette Bettge and husband Bill of Cottonwood, and Virginia Bartosh and husband E.J. of Mansfield; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cottonwood Hall.