Harold “Wayne” Strong, age 87, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025. He was born on October 12, 1937 in O’Neill, Nebraska. Wayne lived a full life defined by passion, service, and deep devotion to his family and community.
Wayne served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1955. During his four years of service, he was honored to serve as an honor guard for President Dwight D. Eisenhower during a base visit in Arizona. While in the Air Force, Wayne also played on the travel basketball team and worked as a lifeguard—where he fatefully met the love of his life, Janet.
Following his military service, Wayne discovered his lifelong passion in the world of greyhound racing. With pride and dedication, he raised numerous champion greyhounds, earning multiple placements in the Greyhound Hall of Fame—including his own. His contributions to the sport were profound: he played an instrumental role in the establishment of pari-mutuel gaming in Kansas and was a pioneering advocate for artificial insemination in greyhound breeding.
Wayne’s hobbies included gambling, golfing, watching all sports—especially Nebraska football—and, most of all, supporting his children and grandchildren in everything they did. Whether he was poolside swimming laps, in the kitchen making fresh-squeezed orange juice, or at the table teaching a lesson in life and cards, Wayne had a way of making moments unforgettable.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Strong, and six children Teressa Kohman (Kurt) of Solomon, KS, Natalie Dick of Solomon, KS, Greg Strong (Louise) of Wheeling, WV, David Strong (Marcy) of Solomon, KS, Gina Dalton (Kevin) of Abilene, KS, Kim Rolfs (Trevor) of Little River, KS. He is also survived by his brother, Terry Strong (Pat) of Florida, 18 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Norma Strong, and his sisters, Janet (Steve) Stevens, Glenna Loi, and nephew Brian Stephens.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, to be announced by the family.
Wayne will be remembered for his bold spirit, his love of competition, his devotion to his family, and his unwavering commitment to the greyhound industry. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched—and through the stories, laughter, and wisdom he shared. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greyhound Hall of Fame, and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.