Henry Strauch

Henry "Hank" Strauch, age 85, of Whitney, Texas, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Whitney. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro, with Rev. Phillip Wottrich of Our Savior Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at Marshall & Marshall.

Born in Waco on July 7, 1939, Hank was the son of Fred and Bertha (Gaertner) Strauch. He was raised in Malone and graduated from Penelope High School. He continued his education at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He married his beloved wife Peggy Maass on May 31, 1963, at Salem Lutheran Church in Malone.

He had a lifelong career in teaching, coaching, and administration at several schools throughout Central Texas, including Walnut Springs, Robinson, Aquilla, Covington, Malone, and Bynum. He coached many sports, but his favorite was football. He achieved a record of 216 wins, 150 losses, and 1 tie. He founded two football programs, at Covington in 1965 and Aquilla in 1966. During his coaching career, he guided his teams to seven district runner-up finishes, three district championships, four bi-district championships, two regional championships-one of which was an undefeated season in 1969 at Aquilla-and one appearance in the state quarter-finals. He is also recognized as the creator of the "Spin T" offense. In 2003, he was inducted into the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He had a lasting impact on his players and students. Many affectionately referred to him as "Coach." He cherished the moments when former players would call him or stop by for a visit, and he could talk for hours, reminiscing about specific games and sharing funny or embarrassing stories. He retired in 2013 after 50 years in education. Outside of coaching, he enjoyed farming and raising cattle.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, son, Doug Strauch, and sisters, Helen Randolph and Pauline Ayers. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy; daughter, Donna Black and husband, Jay of Waco; son, Danny Strauch of Whitney; grandchildren, Allison, Katie and Tyler Black; brother, Ross Strauch and wife, Gin of Malone and sister, Katherine Battles and husband, Rodney of Hubbard; along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or the charity of one's choice.