San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
John Dennis Straw
John Dennis Straw went to be with his Lord on October 22, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents, John Dwane Straw and Mabel Brown Straw.
John was born in Macomb, Illinois on July 31, 1943. His family moved to Tucson, Arizona when he was four. While going to school, John enjoyed participating in sports. One of his many accomplishments was earning national honors in the AAU Junior Olympics Swimming Championships. In football, he helped lead his Pueblo High School Warriors to a State Championship his senior year and was named to the 1961 All State Team. He was offered football scholarships to The University of Arizona and Arizona State University. Ultimately, he decided not to play football in college, but instead focus on his studies in pharmacy at the University of Arizona. After graduating from the College of Pharmacy in 1967, John was immediately granted a commission by the United States Department of
July 31, 1943 - October 22, 2023
Public Health assigned to Clinton, Oklahoma at the Indian Hospital. In 1969, the Veterans Administration offered John an opportunity to attend the University of Southern California to receive his Master of Science in Radiopharmacy. While studying for his masters, John was elected to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at William Beaumont
Army Hospital in El Paso, Texas. After four years at William Beaumont, John accepted the radiopharmacist position at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, where he worked until his retirement in 2007.
John married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Barber, in 1965. Together they had two children, Rob and Katherine. John’s life centered around his family. He attended every tennis match, basketball game, band concert and any other school event. He was an ever-present father who took pride in his children and their accomplishments.
In 1977, John and his family joined Colonial Hills United Methodist Church where he immediately became an usher at the 8:30 service and enjoyed being a part of the New Covenant Sunday School Class. He took his commitment to Christ seriously serving as a volunteer at SAM Ministries and other facets of the church. John carried his religious beliefs into everyday life, as he felt for all the veterans he served at the VA and was honored to care for them during his years working there.
John was known as Poppy to his grandchildren. During Cub Scout Pinewood Derby season, the Straw garage was set up for all the car creations. He loved to attend their basketball games, swim meets and dance performances. He was extremely proud of all their accomplishments, but especially enjoyed just spending time with them.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda Straw; son, John Robert Straw and his five children, Camden, Boston,