Douglas J. Strong

Douglas J. Strong, 89, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010. He was born in Coldwater, MI on January 7, 1921 to the late Roswell B. and Marie (Jucket) Strong. Mr. Strong attended Coldwater Schools, Cass Tech-Detroit, Wayne State University and University of Detroit. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force flying combat missions over Europe. He received two distinguished Flying Cross Awards and eleven Air Medals. Mr. Strong spent 30 years in the Foundry Industry. Through the years, he was President of Foundries Materials Co.; President and General Manager of Homer Furnace & Foundry Corp.; President of Coldwater Brass Co; and President of Ideal Pump Co. Mr. Strong was extremely active and served on numerous boards to include Director, Branch County Bank; Director/Vice Chairman, Coldwater Board of Public Utilities; President, Branch County Industries Assoc.; President, Coldwater Chamber of Commerce; Chapter Chairman, American Foundrymans Society; Chairman, Central Michigan Foundry Management Assoc.; Chairman, Coldwater United Way Fund; Director of Branch, County Cancer Society; President of Lake County, FLA Aviation Assoc; and served two years as a Counselor of SCORE, SBA Division. Mr. Strong's hobby was flying. He was a Licensed Commercial Pilot. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Joyce L. Strong and two sons, Douglas R. Strong and David Strong. His second wife, Elaine M. Strong, also preceded him in death after 16 years of marriage. Mr. Strong is survived by his son, Samuel D. Strong; daughter, Sarah Jane Loomis; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Waterman Village Lodge in Mount Dora, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alliance Healthcare Foundation, 600 E. Dixie Avenue, Leesburg, FL 34747 to support Leesburg Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are by ALLEN J. HARDEN FUNERAL HOME, 1800 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757. Phone: 352-383-8178.