Kind, hardworking, intelligent, gentle, funny, thoughtful, generous, and honest immediately come to mind when we think of Lynn Ray Strait. Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend left the surly bonds of this earth and touched the face of God early Tuesday morning, September 9, 2020, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis from the effects of recently diagnosed leukemia.

Lynn was born November 9, 1952 to James "Jim" Russell Strait and Ruby "Dee" Delois Strait in Granby, Missouri. His older brother James "Jim" D. Strait also welcomed him to the family and became Lynn's life long best friend. In 1953 the family moved from their home town of Seneca, Missouri to Colorado settling in the western Colorado town of Craig where Lynn grew up in the exciting and breathtaking views of mountains, canyons, and vast spaces enjoying the activities of hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring the land he loved. The family returned to Missouri when Lynn was in high school and settled in Springfield. Lynn graduated Parkview High School in 1970 and attended Missouri State University while working in the family construction business. Lynn married Susie King the following year and to this union was born a daughter, Erin Strait, and a son, James C. Strait.

Lynn was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Steven Strait, and his devoted wife of twenty years Debbie Strait.

He is survived by his children Erin Strait and James C. Strait, stepsons Jonathan Frost and David Frost, brother James D. Strait, grandchildren Elise Peck, Julia Peterson, J.R. Strait, Joey Strait, Jonathan Frost, Emily Frost, Nicolas Frost, Kayla Frost, and great grandson Grayson Peck.

Lynn worked most of his life as a home builder and his love of horses led him to purchase a horse training facility in Mount Vernon, Missouri where he trained and bred Arabians. Lynn became a national champion cutting horse rider and enjoyed success and recognition in his field. Lynn later returned to construction and was widely respected for his skill and work ethic which is carried on today by his son James. Lynn's focus in life was his family and was generous and loving in every way to his wife, children, brother, nieces, and close friends. His faith in Jesus Christ was the sustaining force in his life, which he relied on as he navigated a kidney transplant in 2005 and later health issues. He touched many lives as he gracefully endured treatments and hospitalizations all while faithfully cared for by his wife Debbie until her sudden passing in 2019. Lynn's last year and a half of life was spent missing her loving presence and sharing his time and strength with his family. He is deeply missed but know we will be together again one day.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date as he wished. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Seneca, Missouri Cemetery.