John Stracener Obituary
John Roy Stracener, age 91, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024, at home in Murfreesboro, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell Nash Stracener, Sr. and Alberta Unger Stracener, brothers Lowell Nash Stracener, Jr, and William Unger Stracener.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Rose, and his daughter Jenni Rae Stinnett (Phillip) and grandsons Paxton Jay and Calder Brooks, and a cousin, Max Stracener (Lillian).
John was educated in the public schools of Baton Rouge and graduated from LSU (Geaux Tigers) with a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in vocal performance. While at LSU, he worked at the University FM station and at a commercial station WJBO-WBRL until he was called to active duty with the Air Force. He served 32 years as a pilot and a staff Officer, 14 years on active duty, 14 years in the Air National Guard and four years as an AF Reserve Officer with TEMA. He was promoted to Colonel and served as Vice Commander of the 118th Tactical Airlift Wing. His Air Force service took him many places including Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia Panama, Japan, Okinawa, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In 1962 he was awarded The Air Medal for participating in aerial flights of critical missions in hazardous conditions in Europe. The successful completion of these missions contributed immeasurably to the overall USAF mission. While serving with the Air National Guard, he served as State Secretary for the Masonic Fraternity for 20 years and was a member of several Masonic organizations serving for 60 years as a Mason. He was also a Minister of Senior Adults and Activities at First Baptist Church for five years and five years at Central Middle School as Computer Lab Director. He participated in the community through his work with Middle Tennessee Choral Society and served as Business Director.
He was a member of the Exchange Club serving as club treasurer for 25 years. He was state Exchange Club treasurer as well as serving on the state Tennessee Child Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee. He volunteered over 4,000 hours at the Baptist Hospital Cardiac Rehab program. Although his blood ran purple and gold, he was a loyal supporter of MTSU through several sports events and membership in the BRAA! He was a member of First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro where he sang for many years in the Chancel Choir, worked on numerous committees, Director of several Sunday School departments and served as a Deacon and Trustee.
Visitation with the family will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, TN. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday following the visitation with Dr. Glen Money and Pam Pilote officiating. Entombment with military honors will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with friends and family serving as pallbearers.
Donations may be made to First Baptist Church music and technology programs or to a charity of your choice in memory of John.
An online guestbook for the Stracener family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.
Woodfin Memorial Chapel. (615) 893-5151.
