Edwin Frank Strakos, 90, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011.He was born April 5, 1921 in Dewitt County (Yorktown) to the late Frank and Mary Mareth Strakos.

Ed retired as co-owner of Mowen’s Jewelry after 40 years as a jeweler and watch maker. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He repaired and adjusted bomb sights, clocks, navigation equipment, etc. on the planes used in the war. He was a member of VFW Post 4403 where he had served as post commander and District 24 commander. As commander, he helped name the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. He was an ace gardener and avid hunter and fisherman. He could also build or fix anything.

He will be missed by his sons, Marvin (Lydia), Eddie Wayne (Leah), and Craig (Linda); grandchildren, Elaine (Tim) Gasch, Marty (Holly) Strakos, Kasi (Brandon) Crittendon, Ryan Strakos, Adrianna Strakos, Eric Strakos, Tim (Traci) Strakos, Katie (Arnold) Rangel, and Sandra Mullins; and his 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Dolores Schoenherr Strakos; parents; sisters, Annie Siefert, Mary Merks, Emma Grossekapp, Amelia Steindorf, and Tracy Audilet; and brothers, Joe, Herman, and Oscar Strakos.

Funeral services were held May 20 at Salem Lutheran Church in Port Lavaca, with the Rev. Jerry Wirtley officiating. Burial with full military honors under the auspices of the Calhoun County Combined Honor Guard will be at Six Mile Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were: Eric, Tim, Marty, and Ryan Strakos, Arnold Rangle, Brandon Crittendon, and Tim Gasch.

Honorary pallbearers were Elaine Gasch, Kasi Crittendon, Katie Rangel, Adrianna Strakos, and Sandy Mullins.

Memorials in Edwin’s name may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church or V.F.W. Scholarship Fund, c/o Jack Mageluzzo, 1003 N. Benavides, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.