Steven M. “Steve” Strong, 77, of Battle Ground, IN, passed away into the arms of Jesus on May 22, 2022, while surrounded by his family. Steve was the first-born son of Robert and Katheryn Strong on June 14, 1944, in Lafayette, IN.
Steve married the love of his life, Thelma Jean (TJ) Saylor on December 7, 1963; she survives. Steve and TJ were married for 58 years, and he devoted every day of his life to her.
Steve was a forty-year member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Delphi, IN. He was ordained by the church in 1992 and served as Pastor for eight years. In 1998, he was inspired to build a new church building, which he and his son, Greg, built labor free as a gift to the congregation. This was Steve’s proudest accomplishment. Steve had recently been attending Berean Baptist Church of Lafayette, IN.
Steve was a lifelong builder. Countless commercial and residential buildings throughout the area were built with his hands. He and his sons were in the construction business for many years. Steve also owned Racing Collectibles in Lafayette, IN, from 1992 to 1999, where he made countless friends. His hobbies included woodworking and restoring antique peddle cars.
Also surviving is a brother, Jim (Shirley) Strong of Lafayette; three devoted sons, Greg (Cindy) Strong of West Lafayette, Scott (Michelle) Strong of West Lafayette, and Todd (Chrissie) Strong of Lafayette; sister-in-law, Terri Unger; brother-in-law, Bill Saylor; and special Uncle Bennie Strong. Steve was a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews. Steve is survived by countless friends in the area. And finally, he will be dearly missed by his little Yorkie, Katy.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, Garfield and Ellen Saylor; sisters-in-law, Mae Shackleford and Dee Kelly; brothers-in-law, Phil Saylor, Noah Shackleford, and Larry Kelly; a great-grandson, Jaxon Eagle; and three best buddies, Pal, Cody, and Raggy.
Steve’s family was the most important people in his life. Steve was a great storyteller and loved a good joke. He and his sons had many inside jokes that, no matter how old the joke was, still caused them to have belly laughs.
Visitation will be held at Genda Funeral Home~Rossville Chapel, located at 450 N State Road 39, Rossville, IN 46065, on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Funeral service will be Friday, May 27, 2022, beginning at 1 pm. Pastor Brent Floyd of Berean Baptist Church will be officiating. Burial will be in Rossville Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be directed to www.gendafuneralhomes.com.
Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society-Lymphoma or the American Heart Association.
The Strong family is grateful for the excellent treatment Steve received from all of his IU Healthcare Providers and IU Health Arnett Hospital. Steve was provided excellent and compassionate care from IU Health Hospice. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Pat and Jakiah from Genda Funeral Homes for the compassion they showed the Strong family.