Ruben 'Sonny' Jasper Stroud

Ruben Jasper Sonny Stroud, son of the late Ruben Jasper Stroud Sr. and Mildred (Gieger) Stroud, was born on September 28, 1933, in Ventura, California, and departed this life on August 9, 2015, following a short illness. He was 81 years, 10 months, and 12 days of age.
Sonny grew up in southern California. At a very young age he began working on the California Off-Shore Oil Rigs, beginning a career that would take him to oil operations in 28 different countries over the next 20 years. He started a work-over company to repair oil wells. During this time, he invented and patented The Sand Shark, which was used to remove sand from oil.
In 1960, Sonny married Collen Curtis, who preceded him in death. To this union five daughters were born: Susan, Renae, Sherry, Diana, and April.
In 1982, Sonny was united in marriage to Dorothy Borden Wurner.
After a brief time in the Texas oil business, the couple moved to Norwood, Missouri, establishing S & D Farms Trucking Company, which they operated until his passing.
Sonny enjoyed the trucking business and spending time at the lake. Earlier in life, Sonny was a champion weight lifter and champion arm wrestler. He loved family, friends, and good food.
Besides his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his daughter: Cheryl; and step-son: Donald Wurner.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years: Dorothy Stroud; daughters: Susan Wurner of Olympia, Washington, Renae Brown of Norman, Arkansas, Sherry Hallmark of Bremerton, Washington, Diana Stroud of Mt. Ida, Arkansas, and April Stroud-Shed of Bremerton, Washington; three sisters: Sharon Poush of Bakersfield, California, Zola Blaylock of Longview, Washington, and Linda Hughes of Mena, Arkansas; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. Sonny will be remembered by many for his generosity and friendship.