Weldon Ray Strain – Cross Plains, Texas

October 6, 1927 – May 8, 2023

Weldon Strain, age 95, passed away on Monday, May 8THin Eastland Memorial Hospital. Weldon was born October 6, 1927 in Parker, Collin County, Texas to Henry Grady Strain and Minda Lou (Ford) Strain. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James and sisters Roberta Smith and Marjorie Davis.

Weldon is survived by his wife Mitzi, daughter Jan Yeager (Dennis), grandsons Jason Yeager, Todd Yeager (Ryan), and great grandsons Griffin and Oliver Yeager as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Weldon spent his early life growing up on the family farm in Collin County. He attended school in Parker then moved to Richardson where he completed high school in 1944 at age 16. It was during his time at Richardson High that his love for sports began. Never dreaming he could attend college, he planned to return to help out on the farm but his Coach had other ideas. Utilizing his athletic ability, he accepted a scholarship to SMU. Weldon was the first in his family to attend college and going to the big "city" was a major step for a sixteen year old. He was a Mustang for one year before volunteering for the U.S. Maritime Service in 1945 near the end of WW II. After he returned, he got a scholarship to play ball for Paris Junior College and continue his education. During his two years at PJC, he met and would later marry the Coach's daughter, Mitzi Hatcher, the love of his life for 73 years.

Weldon completed his education at East Texas State in Commerce, receiving his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education. After graduation, he began the first of 38 years of teaching, coaching, and administration in public schools – a vocation he dearly loved. The first 24 years he spent building a successful coaching career – his greatest passion. His players became "sons" that were like family. Weldon spent hours studying the game – finding ways to make his players successful. Grateful for Coaches that had helped him go to college, he wanted to do the same for his players as well.

Just this past Fall Weldon told his family he wished he could coach one more team – one more season. He said, "I believe I could still do it!" The last 14 of those 38 years were spent in Administration – his teachers becoming his family and always helping students. Still, he was Coaching till the very end.

During the 38 years Weldon was employed at Forney, Leveretts Chapel, Paris Junior College, Spring Hill and Mesquite. Weldon was very proud that between him, Mitizi, and Jan – all retired after some 80 plus years in the public schools.

There will be a Celebration of his Life at the Allen Funeral Home in Wylie, Texas on June 10, 2023 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

HE WAS PUT ON THIS EARTH

TO BE A BLESSING.

AND THE BLESSING GOES ON AND ON

IN ALL HE LEFT BEHIND.