In Memory Of
Gary J. Stroud
1930
2020
Gary J. Stroud
May 22, 1930 — February 2, 2020
Gary J. Stroud, 89, passed away on February 2, 2020 at his apartment in Topeka.
Gary was born in Fredonia, Kansas on May 22, 1930, the son of Joe and Eleanor (Calvert) Stroud. Following Gary's graduation from Chanute High School, he received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education from Emporia State University. Gary also served in the Army during the Korean conflict from 1952 – 1954, where he was part of the 24th Division Band. Gary married Phyllis Moore on May 27, 1956 and they were blessed with the birth of a son, Bradley J. Stroud, on April 23, 1957.
Gary was a consummate musician and music educator. He began his career teaching instrumental and vocal music at Silver Lake High School. He then moved to the Seaman Unified School District teaching both at Northern Hills Junior High School and Seaman High School. He retired after 31 happy & satisfying years of teaching instrumental music. Gary gained a reputation as a highly respected music educator and clinician throughout the state. All of his students were enriched by his gift of music, and many went on to become both professional studio and concert musicians. Gary shared his love of music with the thousands of students he taught and loved over the years. He was Topeka's own "Mr. Holland" – a man of patience and high ideals who touched all those he taught. He also played professionally and was a performing member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop and the Kings of Swing Big Band. He and his wife established the Bradley J. Stroud Memorial Scholarship in honor of their son, Brad, who passed away during his tenure playing with the Stan Kenton band.
Gary is survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Alice Stroud, Topeka, one niece and 4 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Phyllis, and son, Bradley, and his brother, Don.
Gary requested no services be held and that his ashes, along with his wife's, be scattered in the mountains of Colorado – a place loved by them both.
Memorial contributions in memory of Gary may be made to:
Gary Stroud Memorial, c/o American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd., Topeka, KS. 66604
Gary Stroud Memorial, c/o Alzheimer's Association, 3625 SW 29th St., #102, Topeka, KS. 66614
Gary was born in Fredonia, Kansas on May 22, 1930, the son of Joe and Eleanor (Calvert) Stroud. Following Gary's graduation from Chanute High School, he received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education from Emporia State University. Gary also served in the Army during the Korean conflict from 1952 – 1954, where he was part of the 24th Division Band. Gary married Phyllis Moore on May 27, 1956 and they were blessed with the birth of a son, Bradley J. Stroud, on April 23, 1957.
Gary was a consummate musician and music educator. He began his career teaching instrumental and vocal music at Silver Lake High School. He then moved to the Seaman Unified School District teaching both at Northern Hills Junior High School and Seaman High School. He retired after 31 happy & satisfying years of teaching instrumental music. Gary gained a reputation as a highly respected music educator and clinician throughout the state. All of his students were enriched by his gift of music, and many went on to become both professional studio and concert musicians. Gary shared his love of music with the thousands of students he taught and loved over the years. He was Topeka's own "Mr. Holland" – a man of patience and high ideals who touched all those he taught. He also played professionally and was a performing member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop and the Kings of Swing Big Band. He and his wife established the Bradley J. Stroud Memorial Scholarship in honor of their son, Brad, who passed away during his tenure playing with the Stan Kenton band.
Gary is survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Alice Stroud, Topeka, one niece and 4 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Phyllis, and son, Bradley, and his brother, Don.
Gary requested no services be held and that his ashes, along with his wife's, be scattered in the mountains of Colorado – a place loved by them both.
Memorial contributions in memory of Gary may be made to:
Gary Stroud Memorial, c/o American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd., Topeka, KS. 66604
Gary Stroud Memorial, c/o Alzheimer's Association, 3625 SW 29th St., #102, Topeka, KS. 66614
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary J. Stroud, please visit our flower store.
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