Allewyn (Alec) Johannes Strauss

Allewyn Johannes Strauss (Alec) was born in Boksburg, South Africa on April 15, 1943, to Frederick Johannes Strauss and Susanna Magdalena Strauss. After a long illness of dementia, he passed away on October 28, 2024, in New Haven Memory Care in Kerrville, Texas.

Alec was one of 6 children: Fred, Johan, Gina, Lena and Sue. He spent much of his childhood in South Africa and Zambia relishing farm life where he enjoyed playing with the family’s pets: 2 cheetahs, a warthog, and a kudu. The family raised cattle and Alec’s father worked in the copper mines. Family time was filled with love and togetherness.

Seeking better opportunities, the family moved to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where they purchased another farm, which they named Sustra, and continued raising cattle. Alec graduated from Thornhill High School in Gwelo, Zimbabwe (now Gweru), during which time he was active in the wrestling club and played rugby. Shortly thereafter he joined the Rhodesian Army as they fought for their independence. He suffered several wounds, including shrapnel from a landmine, pieces of which he carried until his death.

Following the end of the war in 1980, Alec worked as a supervisor in the Computer Department of Rhodesian Iron and Steel. Having an indoor job was NOT for him, so he began hunting professionally, and ultimately formed his own company: Savannah Safaris. Entertaining clients from around the world; hunting; and conserving wildlife and the flora and fauna of southern Africa was truly his love, and his “calling”. He was at home in the African bush.

He, and his wife, Jan retired and moved to Leakey, Texas in 2008. He was active in several organizations: Safari Club International (where he won several awards), the Texas Hill Country Chapter of SCI, the International Professional Hunters Association, and the Leakey Lions Club.

Alec is survived by his wife, Jan, his two children Dereck (and his family), Ursula, and his brother Fred (and his family), stepson Monty Wheeler (and his family), sister-in-law Holly Chandler (and her family), 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Johan, sisters Gina, Lena and Sue, and his youngest daughter, Dana.

An open house in celebration of his life will be held at his home, 1037 Ash Creek Road, Leakey, on November 9 from 2:00-4:00. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to either: Frio Canyon Baptist Church, P.O. Box 204, Leakey, TX 78873, or International Professional Hunters Association, 503 Stephen St., Kerrville, TX 78028.

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