Memorial service for Richard D. Strait, 81, Lawton, will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2015, in Carriage Hills Christian Church with Terry Marsh, Pastor officiating. Mr. Strait died Friday, January 23, 2015 at his residence. Arrangements are under the direction of the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home. Richard was born October 7, 1933 on a farm near Rozel, Kansas and graduated from Larned High School in 1951. Following graduation he managed the family farm for three years. Richard served in the United States Air Force for four years. He married Lois Marley in Larned and she preceded him in death in 1964. He moved to Lawton, Oklahoma in 1958 and began a 45 year career for State Farm. His was considered "a career in excellence" by the company. Richard received numerous awards and the company's highest honor. His advice to young agents - "I underwrite the person, not just the property"- will sound familiar to his many clients through the years. Known for his easy smile and a contagious laugh, his sons fondly remember the sounds of his singing and whistling around the house. Rich loved cars, rarely keeping one for more than a year before a new one would catch his eye. He married Sharon Montague on April 15, 1980 at Carriage Hills Christian Church, where they've remained members. They retired to their home north of the Wichitas for the past eight years. Mr. Strait is survived by his wife, Sharon Lynn Strait, of the home; four sons and their spouses, Chris and Sharon Kaye Strait, Dennis Strait and Gretchen Hubinger, Rick Strait and Kate Woodman, and Dustin and Rachel Strait; three step-children and their spouses Marjorie Montague-Matthews and husband Arthur, Elise Sanchez and husband Freddie, and Chesley Burt Montague and fiancée Karlotta; 11 grandchildren, Ryan Strait and wife Ashley, Matthew Strait, Evan Strait, Elliott Strait, Maggie Strait , Tyler Strait and Luke Strait, Michelle Crouse (considered a daughter by Richard) and husband Jonathan, Nicholas Rogers and wife Crystal, Tera Ann Rogers, Leah Rogers, and Johnathon Milton; and six great grandchildren. Two brothers, Dale D. Strait and Gerald Leroy Strait, Two sisters, Juanita (Skeet) Wilma Bloise and Veda Marie Bruntzel, two step daughters, Kelly Montague-Surls and Dorothy Mitchell, and a granddaughter, Faye Lauri-Lynn Montague-Surls, preceded him in death. Richard will be missed sorely and in our hearts always. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or to Carriage Hills Christian Church.