Raymond Leon Strban

Funeral services for Raymond Leon Strban, 84, of Hudson will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Leo Lytle officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Mr. Strban was born May 27, 1940 in Crockett, Texas to the late John Strban and Laura (Michaelis) Strban. He died Sunday, November 10, 2024, peacefully in his sleep, in Leon County at his beloved "Camp" which was his haven and happy place.

After graduating from Latexo High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960. He was extremely proud of his military service from 1960 until 1964. He served his entire tour in the Pacific. Mr. Strban learned machining in the Navy on the U.S.S. Frank Knox (DDR-742.)

In 1964 he came to Lufkin to seek employment in the machining division at Texas Foundry, LufTex. After years of employment he bought a lathe, hand built a band saw, and started his business, Machine Services Inc., in an old rental garage. Both of these machines are still in use today in his machine shop. His business is still manufacturing parts that are sold all over the world. Because of his years machining he got to see and do things that most never will: the Corps of Engineers invited him into the power house of the Sam Rayburn dam, and he made custom seating for the boys in the A.S.V. Armored Security Vehicle serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, just to name a few.

He loved gardening with his father's original tractor, fishing the Trinity and Attoyac rivers, hunting in Colorado and Canada, as well as spending time at "the camp". He was brilliant, could light up a room with his laughter, grab your attention with his recall of minute details from his many memories, make you feel loved with the best hugs, could solve any problem and build anything he could dream up. To say he was one of a kind doesn't nearly do him justice. He was of the Baptist faith. He was so well loved, and we will dearly miss him.

On June 25, 1966 he married Barbara Culp and had two sons that he was so proud of: Greg Strban and wife Wendy, and Russell Strban and wife Dena. He has seven grandchildren, Neal Strban and fiancé Kaylee Parker, Garrett Strban, Hunter Sharp, Jacob Sharp, Tiffany Reed and husband Paden Reed. He has numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Strban.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Lucas, Larry Culp, Jr., Glen Faucet, Neal Strban, Wendell Smith, Gregg Foster, Sammy Read, Christian Thomas, Jacob Sharp, Hunter Sharp, Andy Brunner, Dick Daniels, R.L. Lehman, and Logan Rosario.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a contribution to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or Autism Speaks, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, Iowa 50037-0148.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.