Richard A. Fry

Richard Alan Fry was an all-around type of fellow who brought a lighthearted mix wherever he went. He had a great sense of humor, and his laughter was one of a kind. Outgoing, fun-loving and a great people person, Alan loved to chat and interact with those around him. Above all, he was a devoted and dedicated family man, and he lived a rich and fulfilling life surrounded by those he loved and cared for.

Born at the Lucky Hospital in the close knit community of Wolf Lake, Indiana on July 28, 1948, Richard Alan Fry was the son of Ralph and Hattie Mae (Jerraid) Fry. At the time of his birth, the end of World War II had brought much prosperity to the U.S. and industry and manufacturing was at an all-time high. With the onset of the baby boom, prefabricated, postwar housing was cheap to build and for people to buy, and it solved many of the housing shortages taking place from coast to coast.

Alan, as he was known by many, was the third youngest of nine children and was raised on his familys farm. His mother and father were hard working people, having owned and operated a saw mill in addition to their farm and mint distillery. As a young boy Alan enjoyed a childhood filled with adventure. He spent fun-filled days riding his bicycle, playing with his dog, and fishing, as well as his involvement with the FFA, Future Farmers of America. Alan and his siblings had their share of chores around the farm, and since his youth, he enjoyed the wide open spaces of being outdoors and all it had to offer.

The local schools provided Alan with his early education. He attended Wolf Lake High School and he left his schooling behind when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. Having served during the Vietnam War, Alan was stationed on the USS Chicago in the Pacific. One of Alans missions included being sent to the waters off of Korea to rescue the USS Pueblo which had been attacked and captured by the North Korean forces on January 23, 1968 in what is known by many as the Pueblo Crisis. Following his honorable discharge from the service, Alan was promoted to the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant.

Soon after being discharged and while out with some friends, Alan met the young woman of his dreams. Susan Kessler captured Alans heart in a mighty way, and together they spent the evening dancing and talking the night away. She agreed to go out on a date with him, and before long they shared vows of marriage on September 4, 1969 in Columbia City, beginning their new lives together as husband and wife.

To support his new bride, Alan began his career as a long haul truck driver. He worked as a truck driver for over 35 years, working for companies such as Shaller, RL Cartage, Schneider Trucking, Champion Door and TRM. After beginning a family of their own, his wife didnt like the prolonged periods of time he was away from home so Alan began driving on localized trips which kept him close to home on a more regular basis.

For Alan, nothing was more important than his family. Susan and their three children, Sheila, Nicole, and Devon were Alans pride and joy. When he wasnt working, Alan loved being with them. When the kids were growing up hed take them camping, and he taught them each how to play baseball. When Alan played baseball, or did anything for that matter, he always had a leg up on everyone else because he was ambidextrous. He could catch, throw and bat any way he wanted. He was involved in the lives of his children, and he especially loved coaching baseball. Always a fair man, he never showed favoritism towards his son who played on his team. If anything, Alan expected more out of Devon than he did the other kids. Alan was also active in the Cub and Boy Scouts along with his son. As much as Alan loved his family, when grandkids came along, they meant everything to him.

Alan enjoyed talking about his time in the military and he was especially proud when his grandson joined the U.S. military. In his free time, he continued to love the outdoors. In the summer he enjoyed fishing, and during the cold months of winter, ice fishing. More than anything, enjoying the love and companionship of family brought unending joy to Alans heart. Known to leave his family notes, Alan always began with, Dear Junior Family Members, and in true Alan form, he signed them, Senior Family Member. Particularly when it came to his family, Alan was great at giving advice and directions to any place someone needed to go, yet he expected those to listen and follow his directions, as well.

Always personable, Alan could strike up a conversation with anyone. He never knew a stranger, and he loved to socialize. In fact, it wasnt uncommon for Alan to hear people talking beside him and proceed to chime right in. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was great to talk to. Alan enjoyed giving people a hard time, too. He could be quite a smart aleck and wise guy at times and there was no one quite like him. He was known for getting around on his lawnmower, and everyone could always tell wherever he went because hed always leave a stripe of mowed lawn or weeds behind him!

In 1997 Alan suffered from an aneurysm which led to a severe stroke. Forced to retire, he had to give up driving all together. With the help of his beloved wife and family, Alan pressed on and made the most of his circumstances. He so enjoyed watching his grandchildren play and grow, and the shared company of family and good friends always brightened his days. Throughout his life, Alan gave his all and then some, and for these things and so much more, he will be deeply missed by his loving family.

Richard Alan Fry, 67, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 11:40 a.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at home with his family by his side. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Susan Fry; children, Sheila (Jeff) Keener, Nicole (Sam) Cavanaugh and Devon (Anna Rice) Fry, all of Columbia City; sisters, Pauline Headly of Reading, Michigan, Phyllis Fry and Judy Bowers, both of Columbia City; 13 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hattie Fry; sisters, Betty Brown and Alice Koch; and brothers, Raymond, Harold and infant brother, Steven Fry.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Doug Lucker will be officiating. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery with military honors being rendered by the Whitley County Korean Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory towards his funeral expenses, I.C.O. DeMoney-Grimes. To share a favorite memory or photo of Alan and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .