Thomas E. Strouse, 67, of State College, passed away due to cancer on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at his residence.
Born on February 13, 1944 in Bellefonte, he was the only child of the late P. Glenn and Cora (Dean) Strouse.
On June 25, 1977, he was married to Donna L. (Spicer) Strouse at Pine Hall Lutheran Church by the late Rev. Robert A. Heydenreich II. Mrs. Strouse survives at home.
Mr. Strouse was a 1962 graduate of State College Area High School.
Tom was employed by E.M. Smith Motors out of high school, then took over farming the family farm and also did some custom farming as well. Later, he sold farm machinery and went back to work for various car dealerships. He had worked for Landmark Dodge, Rider’s Auto, and more recently, Jabco Maggi Motors.
He had been a 4-H member of the Beef Club where he loved raising Brown Swiss Cows, enjoyed drag racing, was an avid gardener, and held a passion for older cars and country and western music. He also held a large record collection of vinyl records and especially enjoyed music artists Gene Autry and Jimmy Rodgers.
Tom was a proud Democrat and enjoyed talking politics. He was a pure country boy who loved to talk to people. There wasn’t a place that Tom went that he didn’t know someone to talk to.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Douglas and his wife Sarah (Boyd) of Osceola Mills, and Glenn and his wife Rebekah (Snook) of Bellefonte; and three grandchildren, Abigayle, Jacob, and Angela Strouse.
Friends will be received from 6:00-9:00 PM on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College and from 10:00 AM until the time of Funeral Services on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 West College Ave. State College, PA 16801.
Funeral Services will begin on Wednesday at 11:00 AM from the Pine Hall Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Susan Williamson officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Hall Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 313, State College, PA 16804.
A guestbook can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.