John Wesley Strahan

John Wesley Strahan, 80, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born June 9, 1944, in Salina, to Ernest Wesley Strahan and Helen Frances Dillingham Strahan.

John graduated from Salina High School in 1962 and went on to earn undergraduate, graduate, and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Kansas.

He served in the United States Army and the United States Army National Guard, retiring in 1993 at the rank of Lt. Colonel after 24 years of dedicated service.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church and was on the board of the Sunflower Music Festival. He enjoyed traveling, fine dining, history, and attending Washburn University women’s volleyball and basketball games.

John worked as an attorney at the Kansas Department of Transportation.

John married Pamela J. Bell on February 3, 1971, in Eureka, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Mary K. Strahan and husband James Anderson of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren, Edwin Wesley. Strahan-Anderson and Rosemary Strahan-Anderson of Overland Park, KS; sister in laws, Karen Levin of Salina, KS and Maria Bell of Lee’s Summit, MO; as well as many beloved extended family and close friends.

A funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Tuesday, December 10, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603. Interment with military honors will occur in a family ceremony in Salina, Kansas, the following day.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sunflower Music Festival, sent in care of the Sunflower Music Office, Washburn University, 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, KS 66621.

To view the obituary, share a fond memory of John, or leave condolences for the family, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com.