Onwell V. “Sam” Strange, of Shepherdsville, KY, departed this life on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 91 years of age. He was born on January 25, 1935, to Elvin and Thelma Strange. Sam grew up on a farm near Mammoth Cave National Park where hard work and worshipping God were instilled in him. He had many wonderful days, but none to compare with getting saved at 12 years old at Stockholm United Baptist Church in a revival held by Bro. Amos Crenshaw and Bro. Charlie Ray. He spoke many times of that day when Bro. Ray preached of faith, hope and charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity. His text was, “Sinners, do you want that charity?” Sam wanted it enough to pray at an alter until God saved him.

Sam moved to Louisville in 1952 and had a distinguished career in management at General Electric for almost 40 years. He served in the Air National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1956. Sam sought out and found a church, Lone Hill United Baptist, where he raised his family. It was there he sat under the preaching and teaching of Bro. Alva Casey, who along with Sam’s father, would have the most influence on his life.

Sam’s first wife was Marjorie Maggard, and their union produced three children, Kathy De Cano, Jeff Strange (Cathy) and Holly Shelton (David). He followed his calling to preach the gospel and preached for almost ten years. His preaching was strong and many souls were saved, thanks be to God.

In 1987 Sam married Edna Mae Alvey, who was the love of his life. She had two daughters, Donna Warren and Pam Thornton (James), who he took in and loved as his own.

Sam lived at his home in Bullitt County for 56 years and was able to pursue his love of farming with cattle, horses and chickens and a garden that would feed the U.S. calvary. It was important to him to stay there, and Edna Mae cared for him there until the end. He was a member of Fairdale United Baptist Church and Okolona Lodge #853 F&AM.

He loved having his family and friends visit and had 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Sam is also survived by his sister, Vena Gail Kelly (Joe). He loved sitting on the patio and having them around him. He could talk for hours about the Bible, sports, politics and his garden. Sam was also preceded in death by two brothers, Elvin Strange, Jr. and Wandell, as well as one grandson, Shawn.

Though he is gone now, he will be remembered always as the force that he was toward good. As he preached from Job, “If a man die, shall he live again?” We know Sam will and we will see him in heaven.

The interment will be at Brookland Cemetery, Shepherdsville, KY.

VISITATION

12—5 PM CST, Sunday, March 1, 2026

Patton Funeral Home Brownsville Chapel

504 Washington Street, Brownsville, KY

1—8 PM EST, Monday, March 2, 2026

Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home

4895 N. Preston Hwy., Shepherdsville, KY

9—11 AM EST, Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Fairdale United Baptist Church

10098 W. Manslick Road, Fairdale, KY

FUNERAL SERVICE

11 AM EST, Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Fairdale United Baptist Church

10098 W. Manslick Road, Fairdale, KY

- ARRANGEMENTS BY PATTON FUNERAL HOME BROWNSVILLE CHAPEL -

Online condolences can be made at www.pattonfuneralhome.com