Reverend Verl William Strong, 87, of Frontenac, Kansas passed away at 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at his home.
Verl was born in Sandyville, Ohio, on Oct. 9, 1937, to Ralph Irvin and Rita “Frieda” Pearl (Evans) Strong. He grew up in Sandyville, graduating from Sandy Valley High School in 1955.
Before being called to the ministry, Verl worked for Timken Steel Company, built homes and was a bricklayer, learning the trade from his grandfather.
A graduate of College of Great Falls Montana and Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, Verl served churches in Montana and Kansas, including Grace United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, Frontenac United Methodist Church, and Opolis United Methodist Church.
In retirement, Verl enjoyed golfing, daily friend sessions at Frontenac Express and THE Ohio State Buckeyes.
Verl married Nina Perez Biggerstaff on August 6, 1983 in Americus, Kansas. She survives in the home.
Verl was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dean, Gerald, Denny and sister, Norma.
He is survived by his wife, Nina; daughter Vicki (William) Waldron of Fort Scott; sons, Dwight (Tatum) Strong of Mindenmines; Doug (Stephanie) Strong and Daryl Strong (Marsha) both of Frontenac, KS; Dustin (Charlene) Strong of Pittsburg; stepdaughters, whom he raised, Georgeann (Tesia) Biggerstaff of Pittsburg and Shalon (Jason) Jameson of Mulberry; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Brenner Mortuary. Private interment of his ashes will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to a cause dear to your heart. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.
In heaven now – “If I was any better, I couldn’t stand it.” - Verl
