Emile Alfred "AL" Strain's Obituary
Emile Alfred "Al" Strain passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2014 in Covington, LA. He was born Saturday, November 13, 1943 in Madisonville, LA to Emile John Strain and Inez Mary Williams Strain and was a lifelong resident of St. Tammany Parish.
The beloved husband of Claire McDow Strain, he is survived by two sons - Britt Thomas Strain and Emile John "E.J." Strain (Ashley Robin); one daughter, Sara Elise Strain Mendow (Ryan); and one grandson, Emile Patrick Strain; one brother - Leonard Strain and many cousins, nieces, and nephews! He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers - David "Hoot" Strain and R.H. "Bill" Strain.
Chief Strain was raised in Abita Springs, graduated from Covington High School in 1964 and was hired by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1965. With several years of criminal enforcement under his belt, Strain became the Chief Investigator with the District Attorney’s office in 1973. In 1979, he took over as Chief of Police for the Covington Police Department and remained there until his retirement in 1993. After his return to the Sheriff’s Office, Strain worked in and supervised nearly every division in the agency. In 2009, he attained the rank of Chief Deputy, the second highest position in the Sheriff’s Office. Strain remained with the Sheriff’s office until his passing this week.
His Sheriff’s Office family remembers Chief Strain with a grateful, if heavy heart. His kind spirit will grace their halls forever, while they count themselves fortunate to have known and worked beside this remarkable man.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral mass at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 20370 Smith Rd. Covington, LA 70435.
Visiting hours at the church on Tuesday will begin at 10:00 AM.
Interment at the Strain Family Cemetery in Abita Springs, LA will immediately follow mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude .org or by calling (800) 805-5856.
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