Charles "Chuck" Neal Strain

Graveside memorial services for Charles "Chuck" Strain will be held at 10:30 AM, Tues., April 21, 2026 in the Elida Cemtery.

Charles Neal Strain, known to virtually everyone as Chuck, was born Dec. 31, 1951, in Olton, TX to the home of Bee (Smith) and Harry Strain, and passed from this life on Mar. 20, 2026 in Lubbock, TX.  Mr. Strain lived in Elida until he started in the seventh grade, at which time the family moved to Dora. He graduated from Dora High School in 1970.  Chuck played baseball, and basketball in school, and was on the State Championship Basketball team in 1970.

Following graduation he became a brand inspector.  After a few years, he went to work in the Portales Fire Department.  He served there for approximately six years before taking a position driving trucks for AMPI.  In the early 1990’s he began working for the US team Roping Championship organization, going around the country preparing for national competitions.  He retired in the early 2000’s.

On July 12, 1976, in Juarez, Mexico, he was married to the love of his life, Annie Jean, or A. J. Varnell.  They enjoyed almost 50 years of marriage before his death.  As a child, Chuck lost all of the fingers on his right hand, and was left with only his thumb.  Chuck adapted well and could do virtually anything he needed except cut up his steak.  He enjoyed playing golf, softball and baseball and team roping.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, A. J. of their home; his son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Judy Varnell of Lubbock; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rae Etta and Mario Zuniga of Los Lunas, NM and Connie and Mike Ferguson of Yukon, OK; seven grandchildren, Terri Lynne Zuniga and her companion, Adam, Marcus Allen Zuniga and Tina and Joe Carillo, Cody Dale and Ashley Varnell, Amber Dawn and Bryan McNerney, Chase Varnell and Tori and Jacob Swenson; and 5 great-grandchildren, Kaia Carillo, Saylor, Broxton and Bowen Varnell and Ayla Swenson and another expected shortly.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Mack Strain.

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