Floyd M. Strater

Floyd M. Strater, 88, born on February 3, 1925, in Joplin, Missouri, passed away November 2, 2013. He resided in Laguna Hills, California, at the time of his passing.

After a lifetime of faith, hope, and love, Floyd Strater left our hand to take the hand of God.

Today we are saddened by our great loss but rejoice that he is truly free to proclaim and worship the God that he devoted his life to serve. Floyd preached his first sermon at the age of 16 at Villa Heights Christian Church in Joplin. He is a graduate of Manhattan Bible College, preaching his way through college at area churches. His ministries have included 5 years as a traveling Evangelist throughout the Midwest, Senior Pastor Positions at First Christian Church in Drumright, OK, Davis Park Christian Church in Enid, OK, Westside Christian Church in Springfield, IL and Knott Avenue Christian Church in Anaheim, CA.

Dr. Floyd Strater has been awarded two Honorary Doctorate Degrees, one from Midwest Christian College in Oklahoma City, OK. and one from Pacific Christian College (HIU) in 1996. He has served as Chairman of the Board for Midwest Christian College, Lincoln Christian College and Hope International University as well as chairing HIU's Capital Fund Campaign (Vision of Excellence). For thirteen years Floyd served as Executive Director of the Southern California Evangelistic Association which in association with Hope International University (HIU) and Church Development Fund, Inc helped start new churches and trained church planters in the Southern California area. In 1983, Floyd served as President of the North American Christian Convention. For 20 years Floyd was Senior Minister of Knott Avenue Christian Church (KACC) in Anaheim, CA taking that congregation from 500 to 1900 in attendance. During this time KACC was the leading church in support of HIU. KACC scholarship program assisted many students in their schooling at HIU. One year KACC had 36 students attending Pacific Christian College (HIU). Following his retirement from KACC in 1998, Floyd continued to preach in interim positions throughout CA and worked in HIU as a Church Relations Officer. In this position he encouraged numerous churches and Pastors. His ministry of loving people was pivotal in thousands of people's lives. Through hundreds of baptisms, countless weddings (998 in California alone!), and funerals, hospital visits, working with interns and staff, Floyd shared the Gospel message over and over again. His passion for reaching people for Christ is something to be celebrated and lives on in the lives of those that he touched. His humor, love, and passion also live on through the memories and lives of his beloved family.

Floyd and his wife Betty celebrated 66 years of marriage as of June 1. The Straters have three adult children Ron Strater (wife Alice), Debbie Sempsrott (husband Ed), Kim Hamilton (husband Dave). Their joy and treasure is also seen in their five grandchildren: Zachary Lullo, Chad Sempsrott (wife Madison), Chelsea Sempsrott, Kelsey Lullo, and Kaylee Hamilton.

There will be a public "Celebration of Life" service at Knott Avenue Christian Church in Anaheim on Saturday, November 23rd at 11am. We invite all friends of Floyd to come celebrate his life. A reunion reception will follow.

The family appreciates all of your heartfelt encouragement and prayers. If you would like to send them a card or note, you may leave a message through the Forest Lawn Cypress website or send condolences to:

Betty Strater
24000 Alicia Parkway, Suite 17. P.O. Box 465
Mission Viejo, CA 92691.