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John “Tom” Thomas Strong

January 21, 1938 - September 20, 2026
Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Thursday 9/24, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Friday 9/25, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Tippecanoe Memory Gardens
1718 W. 350 North
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Friday 9/25

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be given to Church Alive, 2401 S. 100 West, Lafayette, IN 47909.

John Thomas (Tom) Strong was born January 21, 1938.

His father, William L. Strong, mother, Betty R. Strong, and brother, William A. Strong, preceded him in death.

Tom, as he was lovingly known, left home at the age of sixteen and joined the United States Marine Corps. in January 1954. He was always incredibly proud of his service and carried that pride with him throughout his life.

Tom returned from his military service in January 1957. In February 1957, he met Mary Joan Watts, the love of his life, and they were soon married. Together, they shared 69 years of marriage, building a beautiful life filled with laughter, and countless memories.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Joan Strong, and his sister, Nancy Chase.

Tom and Joan had three sons:

John A. Strong, wife Shelley of Lafayette.

William V. Strong, wife Nancy, also of Lafayette.

Jay T. Strong, wife Debra of Abilene, Texas.

Tom and Joan were incredibly proud of their eleven grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
Tom was employed by the formerly named Ross Gear for 32 years. His dedication to his work was just one part of the life he built for his family.

Tom enjoyed building and showing street rods, archery, upholstery, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. He treasured his family and the time they shared together.

Tom was a proud Marine, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandfather. His kindness, strength, and love for his family will remain a lasting part of the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be given to Church Alive Worship Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, September 25, 2026, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Interment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 North, West Lafayette, IN 47906

He will be deeply missed, but his love and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of his family.

Semper Fi.

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.
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Phermelia Rogers
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Joe and Irene Strong Rogers
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Diann Robinson
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Juno Hopkins Williamson
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Frank Tidwell
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Phyllis Lewis
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Tim & Amy Kemple
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Pat & Arla Whalen
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Jan Sanchez Light a candle
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Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Map
Thursday 9/24, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Map
Friday 9/25, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Tippecanoe Memory Gardens
1718 W. 350 North
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Map
Friday 9/25

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be given to Church Alive, 2401 S. 100 West, Lafayette, IN 47909.

John Thomas (Tom) Strong was born January 21, 1938. His father, William L. Strong, mother, Betty R. Strong, and brother, William A. Strong, preceded him in death. Tom, as he was lovingly known, left home at the age of sixteen and joined the United States Marine Corps. in January 1954. He was always incredibly proudContinue Reading

See Condolences
Phermelia Rogers left a message on September 27, 2026:
Rest my cousin Tom 🙏. You have reached the Gates of Heaven.
Joe and Irene Strong Rogers left a message on September 25, 2026:
We are so sorry we can’t be there for Tom’s funeral. He is no longer suffering. Goodbye, Cousin Tom
Diann Robinson left a message on September 24, 2026:
I miss all those crazy hot car shows we all went to many weekends each year! Tom will be missed by many of us. Rest in peace good friend.
Juno Hopkins Williamson left a message on September 23, 2026:
Godspeed and God Bless! 🙏❤️🙏
Tonya Lank left a message on September 23, 2026:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you all in this difficult time.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Frank Tidwell left a message on September 23, 2026:
In memory of John “Tom” Thomas Strong, Frank Tidwell lit a candle
Phyllis Lewis left a message on September 22, 2026:
May God's peace and grace be with your family during the loss of your father. You will be in our prayers.
Tim & Amy Kemple left a message on September 21, 2026:
Uncle Tom, aka Bruno, was truly one of a kind. I’ll always be grateful for the lessons, the laughs, the tough love, and the example he set for all of us. My admiration and respect for him will never fade. Proud to have called him my uncle—and even more grateful for the impact he had on the man I became. Rest easy, Bruno. You earned it. 🇺🇸❤️
Pat & Arla Whalen left a message on September 21, 2026:
Thoughts and prayers are with Joan and the entire Strong family at this difficult time.
Jan Sanchez left a message on September 21, 2026:
In memory of John “Tom” Thomas Strong, Jan Sanchez lit a candle
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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