Donald Strong

Donald Edward Strong was born December 9, 1959 in Hazen, Arkansas to the union of the late Henry Strong Sr. and Dorothy Abram Strong.  He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and became a member of Prairie Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  As young man with a great love of Christ, he joined the junior choir and played the guitar in the gospel group named the Junior Spiritual Airs of Hazen.

Don attended the Hazen Public School System and graduated in 1978. He was a member of the football and basketball teams where he helped to win various conference and state championships.

After high school, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his Country and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. Don traveled throughout his military career to Asia, Europe and across the United States.

Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he and his former wife Sadie Faye Strong and their son Andre, settled in Atwater, CA. Later in life, Don met and married the lovely Debra Taylor and welcomed their beautiful daughter, Misha Rene Strong into the world.

Don and his family were members of Antioch Baptist Church where he taught Youth Sunday School and was ordained as a Deacon. He accepted his calling to preach the gospel and graduated from Potter’s House of Theology College under the director of Dr. Jerry Huey and was ordained by his Pastor Dr. E.P. Goodin.

Don is an honor graduate of Merced College and held an Associate's Degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he became a Veteran's Specialist for the California State Employment Development Department where he helped thousands of retired armed service men and women attain employment and medical benefits.

Throughout his life, Don remained a devoted father, husband and servant of God. He had a passion for mentoring young people and serving his community. His hobbies included gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was an awesome Chef and the “family comedian”. Don never missed an opportunity to make everyone laugh and loved practical jokes. He was a true servant of God and believed in helping his fellow man. His infectious smile and compassionate heart will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Don joined MT. Pleasant Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas on Oct 27, 2019.

Don transitioned to glory on Friday, May 15, 2020. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Debra Strong, son Andre Strong of Hazen, AR, daughters Misha Strong and Breelyn Pete of Los Angeles, CA, his loving mother Dorothy Abram Rounsville, Stepfather Bill Rounsville of Hazen, AR; Brothers Bruce Strong (Eula) of Joplin, Mo; Scot Strong of Hazen, AR. Sisters Shirley Bonner (Ron) of Joplin, MO; Shonda Strong of Anchorage, AK; Connie Rogers of Sacramento, CA; Lajuana Tylene Sanders of Jacksonville, AR; Rachel Monroe of Little Rock, AR and Aunt Katherine Simms and a host of uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other beloved family and friends.