Gary Warren Strong

Gary Warren Strong, 81, of Terre Haute, passed away on February 17, 2026, after a six-year battle with vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, and cardiovascular disease. He was the beloved husband of Tuesday Strong, with whom he shared 28 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Catherine Strong; his grandparents, Fred and Margaret Maxwell; and Frank and Minnie Strong.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Tuesday Strong; his sister, Sandy Boyle (Les); his daughter, Michelle Truxal; two grandchildren, Nick and Mia Truxal; great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends who will cherish his memory.

Gary was the owner and operator of Gary's Hair Designers for over 45 years. The son and grandson of military service members, Gary inherited not only commitment to service, but also a strong work ethic and desire to succeed.

Gary understood the meaning and importance of hard work, lifelong learning, and of the sacrifice needed to excel. He served for six years in the United States Army Reserves as a sharpshooter, from 1964 to 1970. After returning home from the service, he graduated from Harrold Beauty Academy and opened his own salon, Gary's Hair Designers, becoming a local employer. Gary was active in his professional community by serving as the Indiana Styles Director. He taught styling at numerous venues throughout the country. He also traveled nationally and internationally to learn from other experts and to compete, winning numerous hair styling competitions including 1st Place in the 1964 K.H.C.A. Hair Shaping Competition, 1st Place in the Evansville Hair Dressing & Cosmetology Association Quick Service Competition, State Champion in the 1975 National Coiffure Competition, 1st Place in the 1976 Mississippi Valley Beauty Fashion & Trade Show St. Louis Cosmetology Association Competition, and he participated in the 1976 World Championships of Hairdressing in NYC, and various other competitions. Notably, he introduced the "cut and blow dry" to the Terre Haute community and was stylist to Larry Bird during his time at Indiana State University.

In addition to running his business, Gary was an accomplished bodybuilder. He earned 1st Place in his Division and 1st Place Overall Winner of Mr. Wabash Valley in 1990, and won the state competition, earning the title of Mr. Indiana, 1st Place & Overall, in 1991. Gary then placed third in the Kentucky Derby Festival out of 87 competitors. His commitment to fitness, learning, and serving others, resulted in his then becoming a certified personal trainer.

Gary's desire to live life to the fullest led him to become an accomplished skydiver. He achieved over 500 jumps from various aircraft including numerous small aircraft, a Boeing 727 jet, C130s, helicopters, and from a hot air balloon. He and his friends mastered formation flying and he went on to become a videographer, capturing the thrill of skydiving for others.

Not content with just skydiving, Gary became an accomplished pilot by earning his private pilot's license, and then receiving his instrument, commercial, and aerobatic ratings. Ever the lifelong learner, he then became a certified flight instructor.

After discovering his Native American heritage, Gary and Tuesday visited the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, he studied the Lakota language and joined a drum group that visited various local schools and nursing homes in service to the community. He is part Cherokee.

As you can see from Gary's many accomplishments, he worked hard, served the community, and lived his best life in his hometown with his wife Tuesday and their cats Charley and George.

Gary's journey was supported by the steadfast love of Tuesday's family, including Carl and Carla Norris; her brother David Norris (Heather); and their children Luke (Chyara), Anna, Mary (Nick), John Paul, Ingrid, and Katherine; along with Stacey and Tony Colletti, whose unwavering support provided comfort and strength. Countless close, special friends provided continual love and support to both Gary and Tuesday.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Greg and Amy Gibson; the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care; and the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Wabash Valley for the exceptional care and support provided during Gary's final days. The family also extends gratitude to nurse LaRonda Johns for her compassionate care and guidance, and to Meghan "from Shelburn" Everhart of Visiting Angels, who worked with Tuesday to support Gary during hospice at home. Special appreciation is also extended to the Alzheimer's Association, Thrive West Central, Elizabeth Davis at the Veteran's Administration, and Mike Egy from the Local Veterans Battalion.

Arrangements were entrusted to DeBaun Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced by the family.

A lifelong animal lover, memorial contributions may be made in Gary's memory to the Terre Haute Humane Society.