Photo courtesy of the Strain family

Steven Strain

Steven Strain, 68, of Abilene, Texas, who was a longtime Texas Asphalt Pavement Association (TXAPA) member and a contributor to the state's paving industry, died on Sept. 19 after a five-year battle with cancer.

After graduating from the University of Texas with a business degree and an engineering minor, Mr. Strain returned to Abilene in 1978 to work with his father James, grandfather Vic and uncles Ernest Strain and Herman Lloyd at J.H. Strain & Sons. There he mastered skills that eventually led him to play the lead role in the highway construction business.

Following in his father's footsteps, he began serving in leadership roles with the highway division of the Association of General Contractors, taking on an AGC area chairman job in 1984 — the youngest contractor at the time to ever hold that position.

Until his death, Mr. Strain and his brother Kent ran and grew the business; with the addition of Mr. Strain's sons, it has become a four-generation family business.

Throughout his adult life, Mr. Strain served on the governing boards of numerous organizations, among them The National Exchange Club, Serenity House, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Abilene's Better Business Bureau, First State Bank and The Expo Center. He also served years on the board at Heavenly Rest, overseeing the completion of Gerhart Hall and its dedication by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

Mr. Strain was born on Jan. 16, 1956, the younger brother to his sister Jayne. Ten years later, his brother and business partner Kent was born.

Mr. Strain was preceded in death by his parents Carolyn and James Strain; his godchild, Hallie Taylor; and close friends Tom Rowan, Melinda Luther, Steve Smith, Tom Niblo and Gary Goodnight.

He is survived by his wife Cindy; sons Whit Strain and Ross Strain (Melissa); grandchildren Austin and Alex; sister Jayne Richardson; and brother Kent Strain.

Donations to honor Mr. Strain's life may be sent to the Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal in Abilene or to Heartlight Ministries in Hallsville, Texas, or to the charity of your choice.

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