Leland Strang

Leland James "Lee" Strang (Butch), 89, peacefully departed his earthly existence on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 7:35 a.m., seeking solace in the embrace of Jesus, the Christ. During his final months, he received attentive and compassionate care from the dedicated staff at Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville, Indiana.

Lee’s unwavering love for the Lord anchored his life, placing Jesus at the forefront.  He was a man of his word, and a student of the Word of God.  He did his best to walk out his faith with endurance, humility, love of God and others; modeling for us the character of our Savior.  He openly discussed matters of faith, mentored countless souls, and actively contributed to expanding the Lord’s kingdom.  Alongside Kay, he played a foundational role in establishing the Butler Church of Christ in Butler, Ohio and the Surfside Christian Church in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.  His delightful sense of humor was often cleverly concealed, leaving us wondering whether he was joking or not. His love for his ‘Princess’ surpassed all else in THIS world, and he cherished not only his biological family but also the children he raised at WCCH, who held a special place in his heart.  

Lee was born at home on the sunporch in Mansfield, Ohio, on July 22, 1934, to the late George W. and Vesta M. (Stafford) Strang. He was the third of four sons, alongside his brothers (late) Robert, (late) Wayne, and Harold. His first job involved delivering newspapers on his bicycle at the tender age of 9. An enthusiastic sportsman, he excelled in high school basketball, earning the nickname ‘Pepper Pot’ due to his speed and spirited play. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and was proud to live in “God’s Country”.  Lee graduated from Madison High School in 1952.

He married his high school sweetheart, Kay Paula Jesson, on October 23, 1952, in Mansfield, Ohio. Together, they were blessed with four daughters: Debbie, Diane, Amanda, and Holly. Lee’s strength was evident not only in his endurance but also in his ability to thrive in a household of five females.

In 1968, Lee and Kay participated in Missions Week at Lake James Christian Assembly, where they discovered the Indiana Christian Children’s Home in Ladoga, Indiana, near Crawfordsville. Inspired by their newfound purpose, they left their lifelong home in Mansfield, Ohio, where Lee worked as a welder at the Ohio Brass and embarked on a mission as houseparents. After two years of service, they relocated their family to Woodburn, Indiana, establishing the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home. With Kay’s invaluable assistance, Lee assumed the role of the Home’s first Executive Director.  WCCH, a ministry of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, is broadly supported by the Christian community throughout the tristate area.  Their mission is to provide a Christian home for children in need – to minister to children and families on physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual levels.  

In 1984, they semi-retired and relocated to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Lee held leadership positions at various golf courses and spent his leisure time playing the sport he loved.  Additionally, he dedicated his spare hours to painting over 25 homes and a church building.  He and Kay savored their morning coffee, gazing at the sunrise as waves crashed onto the beach.     

In 2010, they relocated to Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his earthly life. He cherished quiet moments with Kay, reading his Bible and conversing with the Lord by his chiminea. From his window overlooking the pond, he loved to watch deer, turkey, and birds. Whether driving the golf cart, solving puzzles, or enjoying sports, he embraced life’s simple pleasures.

In February 2024, his health declined significantly, leading him to Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville, Indiana for physical therapy and care. There, he continued to impact lives and share his unwavering faith in Jesus. The staff’s boundless love, genuine compassion, and exceptional physical and emotional support left an indelible mark on us. Our family will forever be grateful to them.

Lee is survived by his wife of 71 years, Kay Strang of Kendallville, Indiana; 4 daughters: Deborah (Lee) Hull of Mansfield, Ohio, Diane Moody of Plattsburg, New York, Amanda (Dan) Kuykendall of Hartsville, South Carolina, and Holly (John) Pfeiffer of Kendallville, Indiana, and numerous beloved children from WCCH; 1 brother: Harold (Marylyn) Strang of Bucyrus, Ohio; 8 nieces and nephews: Mike (Karen) Strang, Susan (Dale) Chittum, Paula (Terry) Salmons, Cheryl (Wayne) Bump, Victoria (Dale) Morris, Jeffrey (Dorinda) Strang, Christopher Strang and Greg Eyer; 10 Grandchildren: Michael (Pam) Hull, Sarah (Dana) Stedtefeld, Jennifer Henderson, Bobby (Suzanna) Moody, Larry (Trista) Moody, Miranda Kuykendall, Carman (Jessica) Kuykendall, Ashley (Harrison) Tash, Nikki Pfeiffer, Josh (Bobbi) Pfeiffer; 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents, George Strang, Vesta Strang; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law: Robert (Betty) Strang, Wayne (Ladonna) Strang.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, George Strang, Vesta Strang; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law: Robert (Betty) Strang, Wayne (Ladonna) Strang.   

2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.  Lee Strang quote, “The fight is over and I’m victorious!”

A Celebration of Life Gathering

Join us for a special Celebration of Life Gathering in honor of Lee’s memory. We will come together to worship our Lord, celebrate his life, share stories, and find comfort in each other’s company.

• Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024

• Time:

-- Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

-- Celebration Service: 11:30 a.m.

-- Lunch to follow the celebration.

Location: Stroh Church of Christ - 4540 S. 1100 W. Hudson, IN 46747

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home. Your support will make a difference in the lives of children in need.

Donation Details:

• Mailing Address: PO Box 459, Woodburn, IN 46797

• Website: Woodburn Christian Children’s Home

Thank you for honoring Lee’s memory and supporting this meaningful cause. 

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