Friday, December 18, 2020 ~ 11:00 a.m.
Riverview Community Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Interment at Ashland Cemetery ~ Ashland, Nebraska
*The funeral service will be live streamed on Marcy Mortuary Facebook page.
Thursday, December 17, 2020 ~ 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
Marcy Mortuary ~ Ashland, Nebraska
St. Jude Children’s Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Donald D. Strode, 78 of Ashland, NE passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha. He was born February 5, 1942 in Omaha to Herald and Ruby (Hall) Strode. Don attended Ashland High School. He was united in marriage to Lucille Graham on December 12, 1958 in Omaha. From this union three sons were born, Terry, Randy and Travis. In Don’s earlier years he was a jockey agent and owned and trained race horses. Many times he could be seen in the winner’s circle at Horseman’s Park. Don was an “entrepreneur of everything”, always willing to take a risk. He was a scrap recycler and junk trader. He traveled all over the country, many times with family members, collecting whatever he thought was worthy.
He was a member of the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA). He enjoyed rodeos and loved everything about horses.
Don is survived by his wife, Lucy Strode; sons, Terry (Julie) Strode, Travis (Ruth) Strode; grandchildren, Joe (Karri) Strode, Cassie (Tim) Baumert, Zane (Tori) Strode, Chanse (Holly) Strode, Katelin Strode, Rachel Strode; 11 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Helen Strode; siblings, Ronald (Joyce) Strode, Carolyn (Donald) Pretzer; sister-in-law, Mary Strode; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ruby Strode; son, Randy Strode, brothers, Harold (Vera) Strode, Robert Strode.
Lucy & family,
We are so sad to hear about Don’s passing and wish we could be there for all of you. We will watch the streamed service and be with you in spirit. Thanks for taking time to contact us.
My dad considered Don one of his best friends and someone he could always count on. We will miss Don’s infectious laugh and the wonderful storytelling too.
Hugs!!!
Ron, Donna, Mark, Peg, John & Charles Sherven & families
p.s. Hi Travis – hope to see you Vegas one of these days 🙂
To Lucy and family, Debbie and I are so very saddened and sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a good man and always quick with his wit and could bring a smile to you without even trying. He will be missed, but I know he will be in Heaven and at peace.
All our love, Larry and Debbie Strode
Lucy ,my very deepest sympathy, to you and your family,our country lost one of the nicest person’s I have ever met, he brought me so much Joy by giving me a horse,Heaven now has True Angel,I Pray for God to Hold You and Try to Comfort you during this most difficult time.Your friend,Jeana Wilhite.
So sorry for your loss . Rip Don …
To Don’s family know that you are loved by the power of God through the everlasting arms of his son Jesus. Put all of your burdens in his care and the will guide you in this time of sorrow ln his name Amen Randy Terry
Lucy and Family…I am very saddened to see that Don has passed. He was a fine man and you should all be so proud. He was a Board member of the HBPA and thoroughly believed in the future of Nebraska horse racing — so wish he could see how everything is coming together for the horsemen. He was a loyal person, true to old friendships and had so many great stories to tell. And do believe they were probably all true!! He brought smiles to me whenever he and Lucy came to the track and I know she will love and miss her lifetime love forever…I would definitely be there to honor him this one last time, if it weren’t for the virus that we are trying to overcome. Lucy, I hope you will always remember me as your friend and sure hope to see you one day soon.
Lucy, my deepest sympathy for and your family’s loss. I always enjoyed my many visits with you and Don. Thinking of you in this difficult time.
Charlie and I loved Don…Don was always so easy going and happy. Especially when he was gambling or buying ,selling or running race horses..he and Lucy have been our best friends ,always sharing tales and laughing with us! Life won’t be the same without him and he will forever be in our thoughts and memories!,,,
Dearest Lucy, We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with you two at family events and our last visits at the little diner in the Antique store and a short visit in the Casey’s parking lot. Know that we are praying for you and the family and saddened we are unable to attend Don’s service in person. I asked Helen to give you a big hug from us until we can do so in person. Love, Fran & Mike Marymee
don had a great personality enjoyed talking horses with him r.i.p. my friend
Lucy and family,
The world has lost someone I admired greatly. His combination of humbleness, graciousness,optimism, and love for others are traits I’ve never seen in anyone else. You guys were always so full of fun and laughter and I will miss him.
I believe he bought me my first steak dinner when you won big at the track one day. I didn’t eat steak then because I couldn’t even cut it. I think I was about 3.
Another time he heard me trying to play guitar and he climbed the steep stairs to the 2nd floor and he “picked a tune” to my astonishment. He played and sang because he enjoyed it. It made others happy, it’s why he did it. I learned from him in our short time together.
He will be missed, we are praying and thinking of you and yours.
So sorry Lucy and family sorry we missed it rip Don I remember square dancing with you u will be missed maxine alger
Lucy and family, I was so saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was quite a guy and I always enjoyed our conversation and our Friday nights with the family. My Dad often spoke of the many stories and enjoyed the Friday night outings and appreciated being included. Peace be with you!
Our thoughts and prayers to you Lucy and your family. Our heartfelt sympathy to all.
So sorry to hear this news sending prayers. Have a lot of memories of when I was Ray Hancock’s wife.