Steven R. Strauch (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Rev. Steven Russell Strauch was born July 20, 1969 in Jefferson City, Missouri, spending his early years of childhood in Centertown, Missouri. He passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 in his home in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of 53.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Edward Strauch, Sr. and Betty John Stieferman Strauch Lambert; his grandparents, John and Katherine Stieferman and Anna and Gus Viesman; and one brother, Paul Edward ‘Butch’ Strauch, Jr.
Steven is survived by two sisters, Jody Strauch of Maryville, MO and Kim Hancock and family of Monroe City, MO; one brother, Darrell Plaster and his wife, Tammie of Centertown; his step-mother, Peggy Gift Strauch and her family of Eldon, MO; his aunt, Delores Walthers and family of Toas, MO; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. It was also his great love to serve as a foster dad to three sons, Ryan, Jaden and Hayden.
Steven grew up in Centertown, Missouri and graduated from Jefferson High School in the class of 1987. He attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. From there he attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, receiving a Master of Divinity.
At the age of 13, Steven accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri. When he was 16 years old, he surrendered to the ministry and was later licensed to preach at Centertown Baptist Church in Centertown, Missouri. His began pastoring when he was 21 years old, serving as pastor of Oakland Baptist Church in Clarksburg, Missouri and First Baptist Church in Conway, Missouri. He then accepted the position as Director of Missions of Lawrence County Baptist Association in Mount Vernon, Missouri. Steven then became Director of Missions of Laclede Baptist Association and Manager of Laclede Baptist Camp for the past 8 years.
Other ministry positions Steven served on included Windemere Baptist Assembly, staff of Missouri Baptist Convention, graduate assistant for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Faculty Adjunct of Southwest Baptist University - Courts Redford School of Theology and Ministry. He served as a Team Leader for the Southwest Baptist University Center for Global Connections, leading collegiate students on multiple missions to India, Russia and Canada. Other international ministries with the International Mission Board and Association include Indonesia, Belarus, Nepal, El Salvador, Chiapas, Mexico and Israel. Steven also served as member of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board and as an officer of Missouri Baptist Directors of Missions Fellowship along with numerous other committees with the Missouri Baptist Convention.
Steven had a great love and interest in travel, his home state of Missouri and the Ozarks. He shared a great interest in his family genealogy and German heritage. He enjoyed antique restoration, camping, hiking, trout fishing and a good road trip. In recent years his passion would move to photography which in time would lead to many great opportunities and acknowledgements regionally and nationally.
Upon moving to Lebanon to serve, Steven became a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lebanon, Missouri with his heart being a part of each church he would serve.
Steven loved every community he became a part of and being a pastor and friend to so many across the years. He loved pouring into and mentoring young pastor leaders. His love for his family and friends was so important to him and led him to become ‘Uncle Steve’ to many.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lebanon. Visitation will be Monday evening, Feb. 20, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City, Missouri. A memorial to Laclede Baptist Association or the Curry Cancer Center has been established and donations may be left at Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Lebanon, Missouri.
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