Joseph Strealy

Joseph (Joe, Joe Bill) William Strealy left this world on October 12. He was born on February 15, 1953, in Oklahoma City to Velma and Elton Strealy.

Joe spent his childhood mostly in Duncan and graduated from Duncan High School in 1971 where he debated, played tennis, and was involved in student council.  Joe obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma. In college, he became involved in politics and served as Student Body President his sophomore year. 

Joe started his career as an attorney with Pritchett and Schnetzler practicing employment law.  In 1995 he joined the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in the General Counsel’s office where he retired in 2016 after serving 21 years.

A man with a huge heart, Joe helped many people over the years. For more than a decade, he led a group who cooked and served a large quantity of spaghetti at a church in mid-town.  He shopped for, prepared meals for, and generally doted over several of his neighbors through the years.  After retirement, Joe volunteered with Lawyers for Children as well as read to children in an after-school program. 

Joe was a soccer and t-ball coach, as well as an avid supporter of his sons’ many interests.  He was known far and wide for his habanero puree and dip; many years selling the puree to some and graciously giving it to many others! Joe was an avid reader and a decent Spades card player. Joe loved to fish and could spend hours on a dock with his boys.  He always followed politics, enjoyed cooking with family and friends, and loved OU football.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Margie, his sons, Bryan and Ben, his daughter-in-law, Samantha, and two grandsons, Brantley and Connor.  He is also survived by his three siblings Tywanna, Ginny, and Harry as well as Harry’s wife Janice, many loving nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21 at 1 p.m. at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N May Avenue.