Thomas Burton Strader, 83, of Roachdale passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, surrounded by his family.
Tom was born Oct. 2, 1937, at Indianapolis, to the late William Burton and Bertha Jewell (Kelly) Strader. He married Joyce (Stevens) on April 7, 1956, and she survives.
Tom graduated from George Washington High School and proudly served in the United States Army. Tom joined the Indiana State Police on Aug. 1, 1957 and served the citizens of Indiana as a State Trooper until his retirement Oct. 31, 1992. Not one to sit still, Tom enjoyed a retirement job driving for Thrifty Car Rental. Tom was a longtime member of Harvest Fellowship, the Indiana State Police Alliance and the Greensburg Masonic Lodge #36. He loved caring for his yard, cheering on the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers, and keeping his family on their toes with his practical jokes. Tom will be fondly remembered for his kindness and generosity.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter Julie Baer; brother William Strader; and sister Alta Mae Mahaney.
Survivors include: his wife of 65 years, Joyce (Stevens) Strader; sons, Tom, Todd and Troy Strader and their spouses; son-in-law Joe Baer; sisters, Mary Lou Pearson and Kate Day; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
The family is grateful to the PMH Squad 1, the Roachdale Volunteer Fire Department and the Roachdale Police Department for their care.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sept. 25 at Harvest Fellowship, 1618 W. C.R. 500S, Crawfordsville, with a celebration of life beginning at 4 p.m. Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, is serving the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Julie Baer Memorial Scholarship, c/o South Madison Community Foundation, 233 S. Main St., Pendleton, IN 46064.
Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
