Curtis Strawn

Curtis Edward Strawn, fondly known as Curt, 86, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away November 3, 2023, with his family by his side.

Curt was born November 9, 1936, to Ellis Strawn and Harriett Gile in Valley Falls, KS.  He graduated High School in Denison, KS, in 1954.

While in High School, he participated in basketball, the yearbook, home economics (who knew), and the Senior class play.

Previously, he was married to Norma Marshall.  Later, they divorced.  She survives Holton, KS.   The children are Tammy Moulden (Mark) of Holton, Ks. Monica House (Sherman) of Lake Waukomis, MO.  Lisa Strydom (Dave) of Topeka, KS.

While residing in Holton, KS, Curt loved to hunt.  He would take his three girls out pheasant and quail hunting.  Over the years, he had Shaggy, Freckles, and Bandit as Brittany spaniel hunting dogs.

One might say he was a professional water skier out at the Prairie Lake.   Summertime was spent at the local lake. The three girls learned to ski from Dad.  We recall standing on his skis in the water as he gracefully came up and out of the water.  Standing carefully while Dad would pick us up to put us on his shoulders. Dad would have his friends Gary Salts and Greg Anderson pull him skiing while dad stood on the dock at the shore and say Hit it…the ski rope would unwind, tighten, and off dad would jump on one ski.  He was known for skiing on one leg and putting his toe in the rope.  We also enjoyed as a family, vacations to Lake of the Ozarks, where each of us kids got to take a friend along as well.

In June of 1988, he married Virginia (Ginger) Billau.  She survives.  The children are Montgomery Billau (Margie) of Arkansas.  Vicki Seeger (Ron) of Lawrence, KS.  Tony Billau of California.

Curt and Ginger have nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren they adore seeing and spoiling at birthday parties and Christmas.  As we all aged and had children, Dad and Ginger bought a pontoon boat called “Big Blue”.  Not another one like it.  We did lots of boating at Perry Lake.  It was great fun having picnics on Big Blue with the family.

Curt was proceeded in death by both his parents, his older brother Robert Strawn and Brother-in-Law Roger DeVader.

Surviving is his sister-in-law Sallyann Strawn, Denison, KS; and his sister Sarah Lynn DeVader, Holton, KS.

Curt was employed by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Topeka, KS for 42 years, retiring in May of 1998.

One of Curt’s biggest passions was the Grand Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles 3417 in Holton, KS.  Curt was one of the founding members.  He was active in many meetings over the State and participated in organizing the Holton chapter with the Jimmy Durante Children’s Fund Benefit.  They would do a monthly Steak Fry for members to come to.  A dance with live music to follow the dinner.  Another great cause and to give back to the Holton community was creating a Teen Dance program so that Jackson County school kids would have an event to go to and a safe environment.

Curt and Ginger loved to travel.  They belonged to the Topeka Ski Club where they had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand to ski.

They enjoyed many bus trips to see shows and performers and also to out of State Casino trips with daughter Tammy and Mark.

Over the years Curt and Ginger traveled a bit with their fifth wheel camper.  Their favorite local spot was Clinton Lake and State Park.  This was close enough for the grandchildren to be able to come over and camp with “Grandpa and Grandma.”

During his lifetime he had donated 10 gallons of blood to the Topeka Blood Bank.

Curt wished to be cremated and have a Celebration of Life. Event will be held on Monday, November 20th from 2:30 – 5:00 pm.  Address is 2501 NW Indianola Rd. Topeka, KS. 66618.  He will be laid to rest at the Mount Hope cemetery in Topeka, Ks.  Memorial donations may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS.  66604.