Billy Don Strange

Billy Don Strange, of Comanche, peacefully passed away on Saturday morning, Oct. 26, 2024, at his home in Comanche. He was 87 years old. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 1, at 3 p.m. at the Comanche Funeral Home Chapel, with Brett Heath officiating, under the direction of Comanche Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery.  Viewing will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday afternoon, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Don and his twin sister, Doris, were born July 24, 1937 near Johnson’s Corner, to William G. and Jewell (Liles) Strange.  He and Doris had five other siblings, Alpha Joret, William G. Strange Jr, Douglas Strange, Wilma Gallop, and Jim Strange. After graduating from Comanche High School in 1957, he joined the Army National Guard, serving until 1961. He worked every job under the sun, including Halliburton, driving a school bus, selling insurance, and being a milkman. He was a store manager for Trice Electric for 16 years, and then worked with his brother at Doug Strange Furniture and Appliance, staying there until they closed the store in February 2013.
Don was a member of the IOOF Odd Fellow Lodge, where he served as Grand Master of the Comanche Lodge No. 60.   He also served as President of the Comanche Chamber of Commerce for several years. He and his best friend, Ron Baldwin oversaw the Comanche Christmas Parade for numerous years.  Don loved to play golf, and enjoyed playing dominoes.  In his younger days he enjoyed playing darts.  He was an accomplished artist, and could draw just about anything.
At midnight, on New Year's Eve, 1960, he married the love of his life, Donna Joan Henson.  They were together and best of friends until she passed away on Nov. 22, 2023.  Eleven months later Don died of a broken heart.
Don and Joan had two children: Crista Cherie and Steven Wayne. Steve passed away on Nov. 20, 2018.  Also surviving are two grandchildren: Joshua Colin Hardin and Megan Alyssia Gifford, and husband Kris; and five great-grandchildren: Valen Thomas Hardin, Jayla  Cherie Hardin, Kurtisee Jo Gifford, Stryker Wayne Gifford, and Kyler Colin Gifford; and his twin sister, Doris Butler; and longtime best friend, Ron Baldwin;  as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Hardin, Kris Gifford, Valen Hardin, and Ron Baldwin.
A very special thank you to Choice Hospice for their incredible care the last few months, including Chaplain Brett Heath for his visits.
Online condolences may be sent to comanchefh@pldi.net.