Bill Strawn, 82, Spearman

Billy Jack Strawn, 82, of Spearman, Texas passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Spearman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Cornerstone Methodist Church with John Scott officiating. A  reception will follow the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall.  Cremation arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman, Texas.

Billy Jack Strawn was born on August 29, 1943, to Doris Kendrick Strawn and Victor Norvell Strawn. He spent his early childhood in Littlefield, Texas, where he attended school until 1953.

In 1953, Bill moved with his family to Tatum, New Mexico, where the family began farming and ranching. In 1955, the family relocated to Lubbock, Texas for a time before returning again to Texas in 1957 to continue farming and ranching.

Bill graduated from Bovina High School in 1961. Following high school, he attended Texas Tech University for two years, majoring in agronomy, reflecting his lifelong connection to agriculture and the land.

On July 3, 1962, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Verna Marie Estes. Together they built a life centered on family and faith. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Shelly Jo Manasco, Billy Scott Strawn, Christopher Norvell Strawn (wife, Laurie), and Nikki Leigh Sanders.

Bill loved the cattle business and spent much of his life working with livestock. One of the opportunities he cherished most was pasturing cattle on the historic Baca Ranch in New Mexico, land that is now part of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Working that country and caring for cattle there was a special experience that remained a meaningful part of his life story.

He was deeply involved in the lives of his children. When Chris and Nikki were young, he proudly served as “Daddy Swim Team,” helping and supporting many kids on the swim team. He also enjoyed being involved in 4-H, especially helping with stock showing and encouraging young people who were learning to work with livestock.

Bill was a longtime member of Cornerstone Methodist Church, where he grew in his faith and his love for Jesus, which guided and sustained him throughout his life.

He was blessed with six grandchildren: Samuel Dalton Smith (wife, Yvonne), Savannah Jo Smith, Carter Scott Strawn, Billy Jack Strawn, Piper Leigh Sanders, and Crew Eugene Sanders.

Growing up across West Texas and eastern New Mexico, he was shaped by the values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to family. The rural life he experienced in his youth helped form the character and work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life.

Bill is survived by his wife, Verna Marie Strawn; his children, Shelly Jo Manasco, Billy Scott Strawn, Christopher Norvell Strawn (Laurie), and Nikki Leigh Sanders; his grandchildren, Samuel Dalton Smith (Yvonne), Savannah Jo Smith, Carter Scott Strawn, Billy Jack Strawn, Piper Leigh Sanders, and Crew Eugene Sanders; and his sister, Vicki Richards, along with many other beloved relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doris Kendrick Strawn and Victor Norvell Strawn; his brother, Jerry Strawn; his sister, Judy Herring; his nephew, Charlie Strawn,and brother-in-law, Leon Richards..

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cornerstone Missions,407 Haney, Spearman or Hansford Hospice 707 S Roland, Spearman,TX.79081