Donald Fry

Donald D. Fry, age 86, of Mount Gilead, died peacefully Tuesday morning, May 10, 2016, at the Morrow Manor following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

On January 3, 1930, Donald was born in Knox County, Ohio, the second of four children of the late WH "Willie" Fry and Gertrude (Garverick) Fry. He was raised in Johnsville, where he graduated from Johnsville High School in 1948.

Following graduation, Donald was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Giessen, Germany, and served as a prep cook for his fellow soldiers.

Upon his honorable discharge, Donald returned home to marry the love of his life, Roxanna Cox. They were married on June 20, 1953, in her hometown of Galion. Together they shared more than 62 wonderful years of marriage, and lovingly raised their only son, Mike.

For more than 42 years, Donald was devoted to the HPM Corporation in Mount Gilead, working there as a shop clerk and electrician. He retired from HPM in 1995. On the side and during their work strikes, he would help Wilt Carmine with his landscaping company.

Donald had a green thumb and loved caring for his huge vegetable garden every year. He raised and sold strawberries, using the proceeds to purchase camping gear.

Donald, Roxie and family enjoyed camping all over Ohio, with Indian Lake and Lake Erie being two of their favorite landing spots. Every trip, Donald would bring his tandem bicycle built for two, which he had have after the first time he saw one. Donald, Mike and the grandchildren (Mitch and Matt) also loved to fish together.

Every year, Donald would look forward to the Morrow County Fair, where he enjoyed all of the festivities, especially helping with the rabbit shows.

He was competitive and loved all kinds of sports. He took the rules very seriously, openly keeping rule books on hand (or making them up for his benefit!). He bowled in several leagues and played softball throughout the county. He loved cards, dominos, and playing corn hole with his grandchildren

A man of faith, Donald was a 43-year member of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, where he had served as a trustee. He was an active member of the Mount Gilead Lion's Club, always helping with their Christmas tree sales and horse shows. He also was a member of the Jaycees and served Meals on Wheels for several years.

Donald will be remembered as a hard-working family man who showed love by doing, serving and working for the benefit of others.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Roxanna Fry; son and daughter-in-law, Mike (Deb) Fry; three grandchildren: Misty (Kyle) Walsh, Mitch (fiancé Sarah Martin) Fry, and Matt (Kelly) Fry; one great-grandson, Lincoln Fry; a sister, Marie Maddy; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Including his parents, Donald was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister-in-law: John "Webster" Fry, and Clayton (Judy) Fry; and a brother-in-law, Bob Maddy.

His family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 13, at Pleasant Grove. Church of Christ, located at 7197 CR. 46 in Mt. Gilead.

Services honoring his life will also be held at Pleasant Grove at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, with Pastors Don and Ray Linn officiating. Burial with military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 8054 and AmVets Post 87 will follow in Shauck Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, 7197 Co. Rd. 46, Mount Gilead, OH 43338, or to Pathways of Morrow Manor, P. O. Box 44, Chesterville, OH 43317.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Donald's family and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them via his obituary on www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.