Allen George Strait, 88, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed from this life on December 20, 2024. He was born July 21, 1936 in Norwalk, Ohio to the late Robert George and Mildred Gladys (Stark) Strait. He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1954 and went on to obtain his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Bowling Green State University. On October 27, 1956 Allen married Esther Jean Lortcher. Over the next sixty-eight years they built a home and family based on the principles of love, compassion and their Lutheran Faith. In addition to his parents, Mr. Strait was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Kay Harris.

Mr. Strait was an avid bowler and played in many tournaments. In 1996, he was inducted into the Bowlers Hall of Fame in Norwalk, Ohio. Later, in 2001 he bowled his first 300 game at Franklin Lanes in Franklin, North Carolina. After moving to North Carolina in 1999, Allen and Esther participated in the Senior Games from 2001 until 2021, winning several medals over the years. Allen also enjoyed baseball and trains. Although he had many hobbies and interests, his greatest love was for his family. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Esther Jean Strait; children, Timothy (Cynthia) Strait of Jacksonville, Bruce (Jenny) Strait, Benjamin (Tammy) Strait, Celinda Rielly, Cheryl (Tim) Skiver and Trudy (Marty) Anderson all of Ohio. Other survivors include twenty-three grandchildren and forty-two great-grandchildren; along with a host of extended family and many friends.

Memorial service arrangements will be announced at a later date.