Gary Ray Polson, age 74, of Stillwater, Oklahoma died Sunday, June 7, 2026. There will be a visitation on Friday, June 12, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Strode Funeral Home, 610 S. Duncan, Stillwater. Visitation on Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the church. Funeral services will begin 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stillwater. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Gary was born on July 15,1951 in Welch, Oklahoma to Billy Edward and Colleen Marie (Cottengim) Polson. Throughout his childhood he developed a love for animals just like his father did and helped take care of them and enjoy life. He graduated high school and went to NEO A&M in Miami, Oklahoma and on to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. He graduated with a Bachelor's and Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He would later complete a Masters in Health & Physical Education. He was employed by Charles Machine work, Ditch Witch in Perry, Oklahoma until 1982 when he started Strength Tech Inc., a manufacturer of weightlifting equipment.

He is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1984 he met Lora Hughes, they married in 1988 and have been together and involved in many adventures mostly of Gary's creation.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and many, many relatives.

Gary is survived by his wife, Lora Polson of the home.

Those wishing to honor Gary's memory can do so by making donations to Welch Cemetery. Make checks out to Town of Welch, memo Welch Cemetery, P. O. Box 277, Welch, Oklahoma. 74369