John Hayden Fry

1929 - 2019

John Hayden Fry obituary, 1929-2019, Carrollton, TX

John Fry Obituary

John Hayden Fry

After losing his 20 year battle with cancer, John Hayden Fry (age 90) danced his last Hokey Pokey on December 17, 2019 and went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hayden was born to Cora (Hodge) and John Hayden Fry, Sr. in Eastland, Texas on February 28, 1929. He grew up loving the game of football. In his senior year at Odessa High School, the class president quarterbacked the 14-0 Bronchos to the 1946 Texas state title. Hayden's football savvy, leadership and success would continue throughout his coaching career at Odessa High School, the United States Marine Corps, Baylor University, The University of Arkansas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas State University and The University of Iowa.

Hayden received a scholarship to play quarterback at Baylor and earned his degree in psychology. After graduation in 1951, he went back to Odessa High School to serve as counselor, history teacher and assistant football coach. He joined the Marine Corps in 1952 and earned the rank of captain. As a player/coach on the Quantico Marines football team, he led his teammates to three consecutive championships. In 1955, he returned to teach and coach at Odessa High and soon became the school's head football coach for three years until he accepted a position to coach the defensive backs at his college alma mater in Waco. During his second year in 1960, Baylor led the nation in pass defense. Hayden then became the offensive backfield coach under Frank Broyles at The University of Arkansas for the 1961 season when the Razorbacks tied for the Southwest Conference championship.

After the 1961 season, Hayden was only 32 years old when he was hired as the new head football coach at Southern Methodist University and soon took on the additional role as athletic director for the Mustangs. One of his biggest accomplishments was recruiting and signing the first black athlete, Jerry LeVias, to a football scholarship in the SWC. A year later, Hayden led SMU to the 1966 SWC championship and the Mustangs earned a spot in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. In December 1972, Hayden accepted the job of head football coach and athletic director at North Texas State University where his six year term included a Missouri Valley Conference championship in his first year, four consecutive winning seasons, and a 1977 nationally ranked team. Three of his sons played for him at North Texas.

Beginning in 1979, Hayden enjoyed his biggest success at the University of Iowa. The Hawkeyes hadn't produced a winning season in 17 years prior to Hayden's arrival, but in just three years Iowa was the 1981 Big Ten Conference champion. His 1985 Big Ten championship team was ranked No. 1 for five weeks led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Chuck Long. He also directed Iowa to one more conference championship and 14 bowl games during his 20 year tenure as the Hawks head coach. Many of his former players went on to play in the National Football League, and numerous assistant coaches and players became successful head coaches at the high school, college and NFL levels. With 233 wins under his helm and ranked 16th all-time in victories among Football Bowl Subdivision coaches, Hayden retired from Iowa after the 1998 season.

Hayden was blessed with many awards; but most notably was his induction in the 2003 National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame. Other prestigious awards include the 2010 Rose Bowl Hall Fame, the 2011 United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame, and the 2012 American Heart Association Paul Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hayden is survived by his wife of 40 years Shirley, his sons Randy, Zach, Kelly, Adrian Fry, daughter Robin Fry, grandchildren Jordan, Lauren and Haley Fry, Kelli Roan, great granddaughter Malaya Fry along with Shirley's children Jayme and Bryan Griffin. Hayden was preceded in death by his parents and sister Margaret Fry Roberts. His extended family includes the hundreds of young men he had the pleasure to coach, and of course the incredible members of his coaching staff. Memorial services are pending until after football season. In lieu of flowers, the family request you make a donation to your favorite charity in Hayden Fry's memory.

Published by Denton Record-Chronicle on Dec. 22, 2019.
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A TRULY GREAT COACH AND A WONDERFUL AND CHARMING HUMAN BEING. HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE LEGENDARY.

James Fox

Work

August 21, 2023

I was named after Hayden. He was my mother's favorite cousin. When Hayden was at SMU, we made every game & were close to the family. When I was a journalism major at NTSU, Intramural football was on my beat so got to see Hayden from time to time. Prayers of comfort for his family. Rest in peace cousin.

John Hayden Knox

January 25, 2020

Never had the pleasure to meet the coach, wish I had the honor to meet the man. Zach, my deepest condolences and prayers to you and the Hayden family.

RJ McClure

January 21, 2020

I was there in the winter of 79 at the old Iowa Hawkeye
basketball Field House. After a standing ovation this
MAN FROM ODESSA told all of us "We re Going to Win !"

He was a class act and all of us in Iowa love him forever !!!

Steve Myrtue

January 15, 2020

A special man who brought respect and integrity back to the Iowa football program. You will be missed. Got to know your son Zack on one of many Homecoming trips to Iowa City from the DFW area back in the 80's.
One of many proud Iowa alums that call the Metroplex area home. Your tradition of winning and integrity continues to this day. RIP.

Tom McDonald

January 9, 2020

Jim Buchan

December 31, 2019

Danny Thomas

December 27, 2019

You created a HAWKEYE FAN forever...ME. Thank you Coach Fry.

Paul Hoffer

December 26, 2019

A Great Man and a Great Coach
Thanks for making me a Hawkeye
RIP Coach you will be missed

Bill Thomas

December 24, 2019

RIP Coach.Forever a Hawkeye.You will be missed.

Leo Shampu

December 24, 2019

My message was sent...incorrect state. Too early in the morning for me.
From Davenport, Iowa
(Margaret Baker)

Margaret Baker

December 24, 2019

To the Fry Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of Coach Fry. He was a great man and a great Coach at every stop in his long and successful career. North Texas was lucky to have had such a legend lead their program. I was lucky enough to have been a team mate of Abe at DHS and the times I got to meet Coach Fry were some of my fondest memories. Hawkeyes, Mustangs and Eagles are all united with the Fry family in this difficult time. RIP Coach.

Mark Wilson

December 23, 2019

Grandchildren of the Fry family. I hope you get to know, if you don't already, what a special man this was. He was the most respectable and respectful man you would ever meet. He was ambitious, believed in what he was doing and really believed in those he did it with. He got his players to believe they could do anything, conquer any goal and win any game by doing things right and holding to the belief you can. What a way to go through life.

But more than anything else, I want you to remember not that he died, or how, but that he lived - and how. May you all have a blessed Christmas in the joy of the life born for him - and you.

Thomas Wenndt

December 23, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you; wishing you comfort in the mist of this great loss.

LeRoy Smith

December 23, 2019

Our great Football Coach at the University of Iowa has gone ahead.... Hayden is a TRUE LEGEND in the State of Iowa. TRULY. We Hawkeyes send our condolences to the entire Fry Family.

Hayden was a GREAT AMERICAN, and a wonderful man.

Rex Brandstatter

December 23, 2019

I am so very sorry for your loss. I was shocked when I heard. I have cried. I met Hayden a couple times at the Ironmen Inn in Iowa City when he would have luncheons there. He was always very nice to me when we briefly chatted. I was a dish washer at the time. Then became a house keeper. The football team stayed there before the Peach Bowl in 1982.RIP Hayden. There is a song, title is Dancing in The Sky. I am sure for Hayden it is the Hokey pokey! ❣

Teri Fortmann

December 23, 2019

Mr Fry will forever be missed.. my Condolences to his family! We the Hawkeye Nation will forever keep his memory alive!

Tammy & Jon Buchanan

December 23, 2019

What a transforming man and Coach. I met Coach Fry when he took over at Nortth Texas. I was just a young grasshopper of a student and I asked Coach Fry one day how our football team was going to do , with no hesitation he said we're going to win ! And win they did. He made all of us feel like winners. God's speed Coach.

Bill Drybread

December 22, 2019

Condolences.

God Bless.

Hawk nation loves you.

Hawkeye Nation

December 22, 2019

Hayden was a wonderful man, who happened to coach football, often turning boys into men. We cherished his friendship, his humor, and his life values and insights. We won't shed tears for his loss, but we will share smiles for our experiences with him. We stand taller and smile more for having known him. God Bless, with warm thoughts and prayers for Shirley and their family.

Tom and Jane Saxen

December 22, 2019

Condolences to the Fry family. I had the great pleasure of getting to know Hayden when I was growing up. My dad was a sportscaster and I remember meeting Hayden and he told my dad that he had a good looking daughter and it was a good thing I looked like my mother. He was larger than life and I have been a fan of his since the 1st time I met him. Rest in peace, Coach.

Sara Morsch

December 22, 2019

Proud to have had you represent my alma mater the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. God bless you and rest in peace.

Glenn Miller

December 22, 2019

Coach Fry, you, sir, made our Hawkeyes what they are today. Your compassion, patience, wisdom, and all around willingness to give your time to all the kids who came and went through the University of Iowa Football program shows what an amazing person you really are inside and out. You are a rare soul who gave all you had in order to boost their self confidence and knowledge that would carry those kids through not only college but well onto being upstanding members in their communities. Many hugs of comfort and support to your beautiful wife and family. P.S. When you get to Heaven, would you please find my son, Dayton and give him a huge hug from his mom? He passed away of cancer also, just this past January after only 10 months. He would have turned 18 this last June and he was an AVID HAWKEYE fan since practically birth. He and I attended several games in Iowa City and those games will forever bring fond memories of happier times to my mind. Please hug Dayton close and look out for him till we get there ok? Thank you Coach. I know i am a better person because i knew you. God speed.

Christi Cady

December 22, 2019

Sending condolences to the Fry family. May you find comfort in this time of loss by knowing that the entire Iowa Hawkeye family (fans, players past and present) is thinking of you. Rest In Peace, Coach Fry.

Amanda G

December 21, 2019

Coach Fry, you are greatly missed. College football became a passion for me when you because the coach at the University of Iowa. Marve Cook's ( Tight end and Chuck Long's roommate) mom was my. Head nurse at Mercy Hospital. She was a good friend and Marve came once a week to have lunch with his mom. So I was lucky enough to meet Marve and Chuck and they spoke so highly of you. You were literally the best thing that had ever happened to our football program. My daughter is a graduate of the University of Iowa and you were the reigning coach during her four years she was there. She also developed her love of college football because of you. After she married, she and her husband name their first son, Hayden. He shared the same birthday as you - Feb 28th. He is 18 years old now and is in this first year at Iowa. In closing I want to tell your family how sorry I am for your loss. I hope that they can find peace through knowing what a great man you were and how you were loved and admired by some many. May you RIP. Cynthia Rogerson

Cynthia Rogerson

December 21, 2019

Sending prayers to the Fry family. I was in college at the University of Iowa in the 80s and met Coach Fry on campus. He was such a kind gentleman. He took a few moments to talk with me and I've never forgotten. He was an amazing man and my favorite coach. Rest in peace Coach. You will be missed by so many!

Kim Amosson

December 21, 2019

My condolences to the Fry family and football family. I loved Coach Fry as thousands do. I'll never forget him and the great memories he gave us fans. I hope you are all finding peace knowing what a great man he was

God bless

John Delp

December 21, 2019

My prayers and blessings for Hayden's family and friends. We will miss your physical presents, but you will always be our Hawkeye. Iowa loves Hayden Fry forever!

Patti Greve

December 21, 2019

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and dear friend. Hayden Fry was a leader and coach, but also an inspiration and mentor to so many students, players, families, and fans in Iowa. I grew up in Iowa watching the Hawks play with Coach Fry at the helm, and as a fan, was witness to the following of this man and his team(s). There will never be another coach like Coach Hayden Fry. Thank you, Sir. Rest in peace.

Carolyn Hoeger

December 21, 2019

Great man. Great coach.

Jim McKernan

December 21, 2019

Thanks, Coach, for your dedication and contributions to Iowa City, the University and every Hawkeye in Iowa. You put us on the map. And you will always be loved.

Constance Stannard

December 21, 2019

Steve Earles

December 21, 2019

Coach Fry, the Morrison's of Washington will miss your Wit and your Grace.

See you higher up,

December 21, 2019

Hayden you made Iowa a better place, you made boys turn into men, and you set a great example to us all by how you lived life. Rest in Peace and enjoy your High Porch Picnic from Heaven.

Douglas Lambert

December 21, 2019

Douglas Lambert

December 21, 2019

Our deepest condolences to you, dearest Shirley.

Gayle, Suzanne, Chaz, Alexander, Phillip, Madalynn and Emma.

December 21, 2019

Thank you Coach. Condolences to the family.

Dave Heath

December 21, 2019

Hawkeye nation will never forget you. RIP coach

bev coffin

December 21, 2019

Rest n Peace, Coach Fry
My son really enjoyed your football camps.
You were and are still a wonderful person.

Jack Atterberg

December 21, 2019

God Bless Hayden Fry. Thank you for all you did for the University of Iowa and the state of Iowa.

Jeffrey Jay

December 21, 2019

Coach Fry is revered by all Iowa Hawkeye fans! Not only did he put Iowa back on the map as a major college football program, but he was a GREAT man, role model and mentor to hundreds of players and coaches! RIP Coach Fry, you will be missed!

Henry Horton

December 21, 2019

Thanks Coach, for the memories. You are a legend.

Mike Shoopman

December 21, 2019

I didnt meet him in person but as a loyal Hawkeye fan he was the one that made Iowa as it is today..without him it wouldn't b what it is today without him..I am sooo very sorry for your loss.

Deb Link

December 21, 2019

Thanks for being the best coach we've had up here in Iowa. I know many are mourning your loss as I would imagine, but we all know you're flying high enjoying the endless game of football in the clouds! Thanks again, Coach! Rest peacefully!

Silvia F

December 21, 2019

I had the honor of attending the University of Iowa from 1977-1981 while Coach was there. I was always a football fan but my pride for the U grew leaps and bounds watching how he transformed not only the team, the university but the state. I will always bleed black and gold and be one of Hayden's Little Darlin's.
Rest In Peace, Coach Fry.

Lisa Hollett

December 21, 2019

To the family of Coach Fry, thank you for sharing this generous, great hearted man of yours. He was an inspiration to all that met him, the fans of the school he coached in and most importantly the players that played for him. I just wished that myself or my son could have played for Coach. God bless you all and my condolences to you.

Steve Armstrong

December 21, 2019

Thank you for contribution to all that matters Coach Fry.

In appreciation,

JT Howell
Iowa Hawkeye fan

December 21, 2019

my condolences. my grandfather was a major Iowa hawkeye fan all his life and my family feels the pain you are going though today so he is going to be very missed and was the best coach in the whole world.

kristina johnson

December 21, 2019

ALOHA COACH FRY FAMILY......TODAY AS I RECALLED THE COACH FRY LEGACY & HIS FAMILY.....I AM REMINDED OF HIS CAN DO SPIRIT AND THAT BIG SMILE THAT VERY FEW SEEM TO DISPLAY.....ONE OF A KIND PERSON THAT PLAYED COACHED AND LIVED A HAPPY LIFE......IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO HAVE KNOWN HIM AND ALL HIS CHILDREN.......THEY DISPLAYED HIS JOYFUL OUTLOOK......SPORTS WORLD JUST LOST ONE OF THEIR BETTER LIFE COACHES......**MATTERS**--"WHEN OF YOU THERE IS NO MORE--IT MATTERS THAT YOU WERE"--SAMMY BICKHAM SR FAMILY--BLAKE & SAMMY JR--MAY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY--PEACE--++

SAMMY BICKHAM SR

December 21, 2019

A legend of a man who was and always will be a Hawk. God bless

Stacey R

December 21, 2019

Thoughts and prayers for the Fry family. What a fabulous life he lived. Cherish the memories.

Kristi

December 21, 2019

Erik Runge

December 21, 2019

Colleen Schreier

December 21, 2019

Rest In Peace Coach Hayden Fry and God bless your Soul and your Family.

Thank you for bringing Iowa football to life and loving our beloved, hard working farmers. You have a special place in our hearts forever and you will never be forgotten.

I participated in the world's largest Hokey Pokey and had the time of my life just like your players did after each winning game. IOWA loves you and misses you already, and we celebrate you! I'll always be a Hawk!

Colleen Schreier

December 21, 2019

Joanie Earnst ok flag 1/2 staff for our coach
Good call Joanie
She knows this legend
Praying for your family
Don't worry Coach
God has His hand on them
You just rest now
It's your time

Sherry Kunce

December 21, 2019

Coach
Simper Fi
Now go into The Fathers Arms
No more tears no more pain
No more cancer treatment
You won the race you fought the good fight
Go Iowa Go Texas
Jeremiah 29:11
A legend w The True Lengend
Jesus
We love you

Sherry Kunce

December 21, 2019

Sherry Kunce

December 21, 2019

Sherry Kunce

December 21, 2019

Sherry Kunce

December 21, 2019

Sherry Kunce

December 21, 2019

Nicholas Peterson

December 21, 2019

Thanks for great memories, thoughts and prayers to the family.

Carroll Thompson

December 21, 2019

RIP Hayden Fry. You're one of the best. Iowa will always remember you.

Joni Allen

December 20, 2019

Becky

December 20, 2019

This candle will be your light eternally shining over Kinnick Stadium. You will never be forgotten. RIP Coach Fry

Becky Daugherty

December 20, 2019

My heartfelt sympathy to all the family. Hayden was a true legend. He brought the Iowa football program back to life. He was loved by all Hawkeyes, be it fans, players, coaches. Just an honor to have shared in so many Saturday's, cheering on the Hawkeyes and watching coach celebrate on the sidelines. He was the best and will truly be missed. The Hawkeyes now have their biggest cheerleader, watching over them from above. RIP Coach Fry!

Claudia Zier

December 20, 2019

Thank you coach Fry for bringing winning back to the University of Iowa, for showing us that the Hokey Pokey is just not for little kids. And most of all, thanks for the memories. You will be forever loved and in our hearts, and forever a Hawkeye. RIP Coach Fry.

Don & Beth Mechem

December 20, 2019

Thank you coach. God bless

James Cartwright

December 20, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with coach frys family.he will be greatly missed and always a Hawk

Carrie Coen

December 20, 2019

December 20, 2019

Angela Haddy

December 20, 2019

God speed Coach...Thank you for being a legend to us in Iowa...♡♡ Prayers to his wife. Children and grandchildren...

Jaime P

December 20, 2019

Sincere condolences on Hayden's

Hayden recruited me to be his PA Announcer
for the six years that he Coached UNT Football.

I always considered him a good friend!

May God Bless Hayden and the Family.

Bill Melton

December 20, 2019

Thanks for the memories. RIP Hayden

Jack & Carolyn Burke

December 20, 2019

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