Lillian Douglass Handlin Strouhal

Lillian Douglass Handlin Strouhal went to the arms of Jesus at 10:05 P.M., November 21, 2010 at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, cuddled in the arms of her beloved grandson. She was born on the Flower Dale Farm, south of Dallas, TX on April 2, 1919, the second of four daughters, to William Andrew and Florence Elizabeth (Holman) Douglass. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, November 27 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX, with Rev. Mike Chancellor officiating. Interment will follow in The Reflection Gardens at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy. 277 South, Abilene, TX. Family Visitation will be 6:00 - 7:30 P.M., Friday, November 26, at the funeral home. Lillian graduated from Seagoville High School where she played basketball. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kleberg, TX for 52 years, serving the Lord in numerous capacities. She resigned as church treasurer when she moved to Abilene in May 1987, next door to her daughter, son-in-law, and "My Kid" as she always lovingly referred to her grandson. She joined Crescent Heights Baptist Church, again serving the Lord in every way possible, until her health began to fail. She married Arthur A. (Aut) Handlin in February 1943. He lost his life Jan. 4, 1945, defending our country in the Battle Of The Bulge. She later married Wesley J. Strouhal, who preceded her in death on September 9, 1958. Lillian began working at the Kleberg Post Office on April 18, 1952 as Acting Postmaster and received her commission as Postmaster in November, 1954. She served in that position until June 16, 1979 when the Kleberg Post Office became a station of the Dallas Post Office due to the annexation of Kleberg into the city of Dallas. At that time, her title changed to Station Manager. She retired April 27, 1984 after 32 years of "First Class" service. Lillian was a simple country girl that God made beautiful. She was fearless, independent, strong, faithful, and with a loving and compassionate heart, always put others before herself. Being very humble, she never knew how many lives she touched. She was a mighty lady of God, always walked and lived her life in the presence of the Lord, never marring her testimony. She never once complained about anything she had to endure. She was preceded in death by both of her husbands; sister, Rachel (Rae) Griggs and husband Mervin; sister, Helen Carter and husband A.J.; and brother-in-law, Erwin Haygood. Those left to cherish her memory include a daughter, Douglass Ann Morran and husband Don of Abilene; grandson, Daryn Morran of Abilene; sister, Billie Haygood of Sulphur Springs and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Daryn Morran, Richard Bailey, Bennie Don Rychlik, Steve Rychlik, Jack Petty, Marcus Fenner, Larry Coe, and Chad Clark. The family's appreciation to the staff at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, the staff at Sears Methodist Hospice, and to a very special friend, Madonna Clark, cannot be expressed in words. Each cared for Lillian in an unbelievable manner of respect, courtesy, skill, and love. Memorial donations may be made to Sears Methodist Hospice, I Village Drive, Suite 300, Abilene, TX 79606; Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, 6050 Hospital Drive, Abilene, TX 79606; or Love & Care Ministries, 233 Fannin Street, Abilene, TX 79605.