STRAUSS, HENRY JAMES (1924 ~ 2012)

The following obituary was published on December 19, 2012, in Abilene Reporter News.

Henry James Strauss, 88, died on December 16, 2012, in Austin after prolonged illness. During his 30 years as an Abilene resident, he was an important member of the community. He was born in Hallettsville, Texas on July 15, 1924 to Frances and Henry Strauss. After serving ably in the U.S. Navy in World War II, he earned a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. He and his family moved to Abilene where he practiced law in private practice, as a County Attorney and County Court-At-Law Judge, and then as Judge of the 326th District Court from 1963 to 1986. He was a Senior (Visiting) Judge until 2003. He served on the commission to rewrite the State's Domestic Affairs Code, and his particular interest was Juvenile Justice. 

In 1986, he relocated to Wimberley and then Austin with his wife Ferne Dreyer Strauss. In addition to Mrs. Ferne Strauss, he is survived by son Ted Strauss of Corvallis, Oregon; daughter Jana Strauss Kleiser of New York City; daughter-in-law Robin Rybarczyk; son-in-law David Kleiser; three grandchildren, Marie Strauss Andrews, Paul Strauss, and Grant Kleiser; and two great grandchildren, Mya and Cooper Andrews. Also grieving his loss are Alan and Paula Dreyer, Gerry Dreyer, and their families. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Joanne Glover Strauss, also an Abilene attorney. 

Services will be held at St. Luke's on the Lake on Saturday, December 22, at 1 p.m. The Reverend Dr. Parker Jameson will officiate. Interment in Texas State Cemetery will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Luke's on the Lake, 5600 Ranch Road North 620, Austin, Texas 78731, or to the charity of your choice .