Gary M. Strange

Gary M. Strange, 73, of Fairland, passed away Friday, February 2, 2018 at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. He was born August 30, 1944, in Indianapolis, the son of Thadeus Alonzo and Charlene Strange. On December 19, 1975, he married Bonnie J. (Earle) Strange, and she preceded him in death on September 25, 2015. Gary is survived by his son, Steven E. Strange and wife, Kelly, of Fairland; brother, James Strange and wife, Sherie, of Indianapolis; brother-in-law, L.C. Ridgeway of Monroeville, Alabama; grandchildren, Steven A. Strange and wife, Quintanya, Zachary R. Strange and Alyssa L. Strange; and great-grandchildren, Haylee and Mason. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Sarah Ridgeway and Joyce Strange. Gary graduated from George Washington High School in Indianapolis in 1962, and continued his education at ITT Tech. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam as an ammunition handling instructor. Gary was the pastor at Northwood Christian Church for 15 years. He was also the head maintenance supervisor for the Shelby Eastern School Corporation for over 20 years, retiring in 2014. He was a member of the Sugar Creek F&AM Masonic Lodge No. 279, Murat Shrine and Scottish Rite. Gary was a past president of the Murat Shrine Clowns, where he was known as “Rede Frede”. He and Bonnie were members of the Indianapolis Corvette Club, where they won a jitterbug contest at one of the club events. Gary was also formerly a Little League Baseball Coach of the Community Little League in Indianapolis from 1975 to 1980. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Masonic Ritual will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the funeral service, with Joel Delashmit officiating. Military graveside rites will conclude the services conducted by the local military committee. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of charity. Online condolences may be shared with Gary’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.