George W. Strake was an oilman and philanthropist who left much of his estate to the foundation when he died in 1969. The foundation is supported by Mr. Strake’s endowment as well as by funds from the estate of Mrs. Susan K. Strake, who died in 1975, and gifts from George W. Strake, Jr., who died in 2024. Together, their lives reflect a legacy of faith and generous stewardship that continues to guide the mission of the Strake Foundation today.
George W. Strake, Sr.
1894 – 1969
Born in 1894, George W. Strake rose from modest beginnings to become a significant figure in the Texas oil industry in the early twentieth century. After serving in World War I, he entered the petroleum business at a time when wildcatters and independent producers were shaping the economic future of Texas. Strake became closely associated with the development of the Conroe Oil Field, which would become one of the most important oil discoveries in the state’s history. As described in The Great Conroe Oil Field, the discovery and expansion of the field in the 1930s shaped the regional economy and established Conroe as a vital energy hub.
Beyond his success discovering the Conroe oil field, George W. Strake was deeply guided by his Catholic faith. His commitment to the Church shaped his philanthropic vision, leading him to anonymously finance one of the greatest explorations of the 20th century. When asked by Pope Pius XII in 1940, Strake committed his financial resources to the highly classified archaeological dig beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The depth of that faith is reflected in The Fisherman’s Tomb, which recounts this decades-long search for what is believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter. The book highlights themes of enduring faith, perseverance, and the historical foundations of Christian belief — values that resonated deeply with the Strake family and inspired the financial support that ultimately made the discovery possible.
Susan Kehoe Strake
1901 – 1975
Mrs. Susan K. Strake shared her husband’s devotion to faith and service. After Mr. Strake’s death, she continued their charitable efforts and ensured that the family’s philanthropic commitments would endure. Her estate further strengthened the foundation’s resources, allowing it to expand its impact across a broad range of causes.
George W. Strake, Jr.
June 10, 1935 – February 9, 2024
George W. Strake, Jr. carried forward this legacy into the twenty-first century. Through his own generosity and leadership, he reinforced the family’s tradition of stewardship and thoughtful giving. His gifts to the foundation helped position it to meet contemporary needs while remaining rooted in the principles established by his parents.
Today, the Strake Foundation honors the entrepreneurial spirit that helped develop the Conroe Oil Field and the enduring faith reflected in The Fisherman’s Tomb. Grounded in a history of integrity, hard work, and devotion, the foundation continues to support charitable, educational, and religious initiatives that strengthen communities and serve the common good.