In Memoriam: Don Stroope

Don Stroope, founder of Stroope Pest Control, Waxahachie, Texas, passed away last week at his residence at age 86.

Stroope founded Stroope Pest Control in 1950, which is still serving Waxahachie, Ellis County and the surrounding area under the leadership of daughter-in-law Kelly Stroope. In addition to running a successful pest control business, Stroope was one of the leading advocates for the pest control industry in Texas. He was the first chairman of the Texas Structural Pest Control Board (in 1971) and served as director of the Texas Pest Control Association.

Longtime friend and colleague Larry Novi, manager of Arrow Exterminators’ Dallas service center, said Stroope was “always willing to serve the industry and TPCA, especially in a time of crisis. He was active politically and his contacts and influence [with legislators] was very important to the pest control industry in Texas.

Stroope also was a driving force in establishing the Endowed Chair in Urban and Structural Entomology at Texas A&M University, held by Dr. Roger Gold.

Stroope was born and raised in Waxahachie, one of 11 children; there were nine boys and two girls. After graduating high school he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943, serving in the Okinawa/Pacific Campaign during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1947. Stroope attended Texas A&M on the GI Bill and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor’s of science degree in entomology. Shortly thereafter he founded Stroope Pest Control.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Texas A&M Foundation; in the memo of your check include Don E. Stroope Memorial Endowed Scholarship.  Mail your contribution in Don’s name to Mr. Roger Gold, Urban Entomology 2143 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843.