Ian Leslie Straus

Ian Leslie Straus, 73, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on December 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by family after a battle with brain cancer. A beloved husband, father, and friend, Ian will be remembered for his sharp but humble intellect and his enthusiasm for his many pursuits and people he loved.

Born on July 15, 1952, in Fargo, North Dakota, Ian was the only son of the late Dr. Melvin Potter Straus and Doris Elaine (Innes) Straus. He would spend the majority of his childhood in El Paso, TX before attending Claremont McKenna College, where he earned a BA in Political Science. At the age of 20, Ian enlisted in the U.S Army, proudly serving from 1973 - 81.In 1983, after graduating with an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, he would settle in San Antonio. There, he would marry and start a family, establish a place for himself in the community, and build a career, eventually working for VIA as their Market Research Analyst until his retirement in 2020.

Ian was deeply committed to serving his communities, whether that be the broader public by co-founding and remaining an active member of the North East Bexar County Democrats (NEBCD), participating in Toastmasters for nearly four decades, or taking on active roles within the Lone Star Historical Miniatures (LSHM) club over the years. He was also a great lover of military history and a member of the Alamo Muzzle Loading Gun Club and Company "K", 6th Texas Infantry Regiment reenactors, where he maintained many friendships. Ian was a voracious reader with a substantial book collection.

Ian is survived by his wife Donna (Larrison) Straus, daughters Leslie Straus and Caitlin (Straus) McMath, son-in-law Ian McMath, grandchildren Beau, Finn, and Ezra McMath, sister-in-law Dana Larrison, and extended family and friends. Ian was a devoted father and grandfather, and he spent many happy years with Donna, who loved and supported him until the very end. We will all miss him dearly.

Ian’s memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11am at Schertz Funeral Home (2217 FM3009, Schertz, TX 78154). Doors will open an hour prior. Reception at Garden Ridge Community and Event Center (9400 Municipal Parkway Garden Ridge, TX 78266) to follow.