Lawrence Paul Strahan, 67, of Owensboro, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on December 16, 1957 to Joseph Turner Strahan Jr. and Opal Smith Strahan and was raised in Poplarville, Mississippi alongside his two brothers and two sisters.
After hearing God’s call to ministry at age 15, Paul graduated from Poplarville High School in 1975, and attended William Carey University where he played third base for the Crusaders and received a bachelor’s degree in business. Paul then attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Religious Education, Masters of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry degrees.
Paul began his career as a youth minister at First Baptist Church Newton, Mississippi, First Baptist Church Purvis, Mississippi, and First Baptist Church Lafayette, Louisiana. He then transitioned to the role of associate pastor of education at First Baptist Church Newton, Mississippi where he would meet and marry his wife, Leigh Ann. Paul’s first lead pastor position was at First Baptist Church Petal, Mississippi in which time both his daughters were born. After this, he continued his ministry at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tennessee where he served as a Pastoral Ministries Specialist for 4 years, and, among many projects, developed a program to assist churches in search of a new pastor.
During his time in Nashville, he served as a transitional pastor at New Providence Baptist Church Clarksville, Tennessee, First Baptist Church Winchester, Tennessee, and First Baptist Church Owensboro, Kentucky. While serving at First Baptist Church, he was called to be the lead pastor in 2005 until his passing. Throughout his life, Paul strove to embody his favorite scripture, “I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10, NIV). Throughout his long and fruitful ministry, Paul served on the Lebanon Baptist Association, Mississippi Baptist Convention, Kentucky Baptist Convention, and the International Mission Board.
Paul was also known for his love of golf. Although he thoroughly enjoyed playing and watching the game, he also used the course to disciple others and share the gospel. Two months before he passed, Paul fulfilled his lifelong dream to attend the Masters Tournament.
Those who remain to honor his memory include Leigh Ann Splawn Strahan, his wife of 35 years; his two daughters, Anna Strahan Deaton and her husband, Tanner of Waco, Texas; Katherine Strahan of Lexington; two brothers Tolby (Barbara) Strahan of Gulfport, Mississippi and Greg (Susie) Strahan of Owensboro; two sisters Carol (Shannon) Sibley of Foxsworth, Mississippi and Paulette (Steve) Edwards of Greenwood, Mississippi; and many nieces and nephews.
The celebration of Paul’s life will be led by Rev. Sid Woodruff at First Baptist Church Owensboro on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm with visitation from 10 am to 1 pm. Burial will be in Poplarville, Mississippi. Services will be live-streamed on Facebook.com or Youtube.com, First Baptist Church Owensboro, KY.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts of sympathy, the family asks that donations be made to the Benevolence Ministry at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 904, Owensboro, KY 42302.