In Memoriam: Dan Strait (1925–2023) (my friend)
Daniel Leland Strait of Austin, Texas, Founder of Strait Music Co in 1963; passed away peacefully on Sept 12, 2023,18 days before his 98th Birthday.
He was born on Oct 01, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois to Walter & Sophie Strait.
Dan enlisted in the US Navy in 1943 after high school graduation. The last portion of his service was in the South Pacific aboard the APA 49 USS Ormsby until it was decommissioned in 1946 at Mobile, Alabama. He received his honorable discharge at that time. In 1948 Dan moved from Chicago to Houston, Texas, where he went to work for an oil field equipment manufacturer and where he met the girl of his dreams, Irene Wilcox.
Dan & Irene were married on March 4, 1951, and celebrated 63 years of marriage at the time of Irene’s death on 10/28/2014. They were blessed with four children: Danna Lynn, Robert Clinton, David Carlton & Nancy Irene.
In June 1963 Dan & Irene moved their family to Austin, Texas to start Strait Piano & Organ Co at 908 N. Lamar. Eventually it evolved into a full line music store and became Strait Music Co. Through the years Dan supported many civic music endeavors and received various awards and praise - most notably for the Kerrville Folk Festival, Austin Festival of Music, Festival Atamian and the Austin Winter Music Festival. On June 05, 2003, then Austin Mayor Gus Garcia proclaimed the date Dan Strait Day for his heartfelt enthusiasm & support for music and the arts and for being a cultural icon in the Austin community. The City Manager at the time, Toby Futrell, said that Dan was a role model for how to succeed in business.
All 4 of Dan and Irene’s children were proud to work at the family business over the years. The family tradition continued as his son Robert was President for almost 30 years. His son David has been selling pianos there since 1982 just like his Dad. Now his grandson Clint is President and is the 3rd generation to carry on the legacy.
Dan had colon cancer in 1985 but regained his health enough to enjoy the game of golf into his 90’s.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sophie, his brother Walter Lee Strait, his sister Nancy Cody and his beloved wife Irene. He is survived by his 4 children & their families, 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews that he loved deeply. A memorial service will be held on November 9, 2023 at 1 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Querencia Barton Creek and Halcyon Hospice for their excellent care. We recognize everyone for their willingness to see Dan as an individual & for working so purposely to care for him during his time there. We hope you know how important you were to him!
Donations in his name may be made to:
HAMM - Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
myhaam.org
Swan Songs
https://www.swansongs.org/about-1
https://www.cancer.org/donate.html
