John Ray Stroder, 96 was born in Navarro, Texas, the son of Ray Stroder and Lois (Tomlin) Stroder. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Don Stroder and sister, Jan Worrel.

John married the love of his life, Lillian Pitts in Boswell, Oklahoma on July 16, 1949. John was the only American to be awarded the Watts Award for a patent that he created. He was a chemical engineer at Enron for many years. John enjoyed woodworking and loved clocks; he had his own hobby business working on antique clocks. John loved the Lord and enjoyed attending church. He was a deacon in many churches as well as a Sunday School teacher. John also loved entertaining friends and his church family but especially loved his family and spending time with them. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

John is survived by his wife of 73 years, Lillian; son, Allen Ray Stroder of Odessa, TX; daughter, Rachelyn Stroder Smith and husband Mark of Willis, TX; grandchildren, Marcus Smith, Katie Smith, Dean Stroder, John Stoder, and Dorian Stroder and nine great grandchildren along with a host of  friends and loved ones.