Jonathan Craig Strait's Obituary
“As is a tale, so is a life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.”
Jonathan Craig Strait, age 41, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023, after a valiant battle against heart disease. He suffered a massive heart attack on November 23, 2022. His doctors worked hard to get him strong enough for bypass surgery and he fought with determination, but his heart finally grew too weak to continue the fight, and Jonathan passed peacefully into his heavenly Father’s arms.
Jonathan was born in Longview, Texas on September 3, 1981, to Steve and Donna Strait. He graduated from Spring Hill High School in May 2000. On October 22, 2009, he was blessed with a son, Cayson Michael, and they formed a strong bond. Jonathan and Cayson enjoyed visiting different hotels and “checking them out” and hiking, but their passion was riding dirt bikes. Cayson got a good laugh when his dad accidentally tipped his bike over while riding a familiar track. Also, there was a very funny story of Jonathan on a runaway go-kart which he “bought for his son”.
Jonathan was everyone’s friend and had a heart big as Texas. Numerous friends recalled how he had helped them--one who was homeless and broke, and Jon gave him a place to stay and money to buy food. His family remembers him being generous, adventurous, and loving.
Jonathan was preceded in death by his brother Clint in 2009 and his grandparents Jimmy and Janice Worley and Clinton and Dorothy Strait. Also, by his uncles Jerry and Buddy Strait and Aunt Cheryl Fountain.
Left to cherish his memory are his son and best friend Cayson, his parents, and his brother Chad Strait and wife Katherine of White Oak and their sons Alex and Noah. Also he is survived by his aunts and uncles: David and Debbie Peurifoy, Shawn and Karen McAfee and Joe and Susan Tolleson, all of Longview; Betty Sue Strait, Ron and Sue Strait, and Carol Strait of Gladewater, and Byron and Anita Sandifer of Longview; and his cousins: Derek (Tara) and Drew (Chelsea) Peurifoy, Ryan, Brett and Hayden McAfee, Trent and Trey Tolleson; Brandon (Jamie) Strait; Bryan (Shelley) and Greg (MaryAnn) Simpson, Cheri Ashby, Angela Humphrey, Marty (Jana) and Mark (Alaina) Strait; Ryan (Hannah) Strait and Dylan Sandifer. Also, he leaves many great-cousins and a host of friends.
Jonathan’s family expresses heartfelt appreciation for his heart surgeon, Dr. Jayakar, and heart doctor, Dr. Scott, and their staffs, for their excellent care and diligence in working to save Jonathan’s heart. God bless you all. Also, to lifelong friend and member of their extended family, Louis Meider, for loving Jonathan unconditionally and mentoring him during the weeks after his heart attack, thank you. You blessed and encouraged all of us.
Visitation is Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. in the Chapel at Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Road, Longview, Texas. Services for Jonathan will be Friday, February 24 at 10 a.m. with Louis Meider officiating, also in the Chapel at Rader’s. Interment will be at Rosewood Park.
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