Michael Dennis Strain

Michael Dennis Strain passed away peacefully on Thursday, 2/18/2021 after a long and courageous battle with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD).

Mike was born on April 8th, 1948 in Kansas City, MO to Frances and Gerald Strain. He grew up in Raytown, MO and graduated from Raytown Raytown South High School and then later earned a BA from the University of Missouri.

His career spanned many years and included several companies and cities, but his longest tenure was as a buyer for the Jones Store/Mercantile Stores. He loved his job as a buyer and excelled at it, which is kind of amazing because he hated to shop for anything – food, clothes, furniture, anything in his personal life except when it came to gifts for other people. He loved to give to others, especially those in need. Mike worked at Lockton Insurance after the Jones Store was sold until his retirement in 2013.

Besides spending time with family and friends, Mike had a passion for all sports, especially running and golf. His knowledge of sports statistics and trivia was always astounding and his family teased him about being a sports savant. Even as the FTD took away his body’s mobility, he could still tell you who is the only player to play 20 years in the Major League’s and never play on a losing team – (answer: Derek Jeter). His sense of humor and quick wit was always at the ready even at the end when he had trouble speaking.

Mike is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jean; his sister, Sharon Brashears (Paul); his brother Tom Strain (Sherry); as well as many nieces and nephews and one new great niece. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank Ascend Hospice for its thoughtful and helpful service during the last few months, as well as his caretakers at Stratford Commons.

Due to the pandemic, services will be restricted to family only at Village Presbyterian Church where Mike and Jean are members.

A public visitation will not occur due to the risk of COVID and the family’s desire to keep loved ones in the community safe.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to AFTD (the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration) printing and mailing this form or on their website at DONATE HERE.