Donald L. Stroup, 87, (formerly of Clarion, PA and Jupiter, FL) of Myrtle Beach, SC, died Tuesday December 23, 2014.
Born March 13, 1927, he was the son of the late Arthur L. and Edith P. Elder Stroup. He graduated from Clarion Area High School in 1945 and attended Clarion Normal School. He was married January 12, 1951 to Norma L Rea and she survives in Myrtle Beach.
A veteran of WWII, Don was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corp, having served in the Philippines. After the war he went to work for the former L & R Decorating store in Clarion, and then co-founded R & S Metals and Rea Wholesale, which became Sorce, Inc. Under his ownership, Sorce grew to be one of the nation’s largest floor covering distributors – always based in Clarion. He retired in 2002. He was a partner and co-founded several other businesses in the Clarion area over the span of his life. Since his retirement he was active with his daily investments.
Don was active in the Clarion community all his life. He was the first president of the Clarion Area Chamber of Commerce, Citizen of the Year in 1987, and he was very proud of being one of the original founders of the Autumn Leaf Festival. He served as a school board director and president for Clarion Area Schools for many years and later served as a Trustee at Clarion University. Don was active in the Republican Party, served as the Clarion County Chairman, State Committeeman, and became Congressman Albert Johnson’s campaign manager.
While a resident of Clarion, Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. While living in Jupiter he attended Jupiter First Church.
Don was an avid golfer and a member of Pinecrest Country Club for many years, where he enjoyed the 19th hole with a scotch and cigar with his family and friends, especially his friends Jim and Joanne Russell, Bill and Essie Laughlin and Gene and Sue Burns. He had a passion for daily exercise, which kept him active.
In addition to his wife, Don is survived by six children: Sharron Martin and her husband Rich of Clarion, Randy Stroup and his wife Sally of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jean Stroup and her friend Rob Varner of East Brady, John Stroup and his wife Barb of Clarion, Susie Graham and her husband Steve of Royal Oak, MD, and Mark Stroup and his wife Elizabeth of London, England, fifteen grandchildren (Katie, John, George, Brad, Will, Julie, Kelly, John, Chip, Jack, Alec, Max, Benjamin, Thomas, and Piper), and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Stroup, and a grandson, Randy Stroup, Jr.
Don’s family will receive friends from 4 – 7 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street, Clarion, PA. A memorial celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church, 700 Wood Street, Clarion with Rev. Scott Hauser officiating.
Don’s family suggests memorials be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Friends and family may send online condolences, order flowers and memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.
