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BORN
1949
DIED
2025
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Gerald Dryer Obituary
Gerald Thomas 'Jerry' Dryer Sr. passed away suddenly on September 16, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born on May 20, 1949, to Eugene Alvin Dryer and Catherine Jean (Thomas) Dryer.
Jerry graduated from Sylvania High School, Class of 1967. Upon graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from November 1966 to October 1972, including two tours in Vietnam.
After his military service, Jerry became an over-the-road truck driver, working for Bartley's for 10 years and later for Schneider Transport. His trucking career allowed him to visit 49 of the 50 states. He retired from trucking in 1989 due to a back injury. From 1990 to 1998, Jerry and his mother owned and operated Dryer Country Crafts at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Taylor, Michigan, where he created custom wood projects built to last a lifetime.
In 1999, Jerry fulfilled a dream by working at Express Net Airlines, a role that eventually led him to relocate to Naples, Florida. He retired in 2006 and returned to his hometown of Sylvania, Ohio.
Jerry was a proud member of VFW Post 2898, where he served as Quartermaster from 2010 to 2016. He enjoyed bowling and golfing until an arm injury prevented him from continuing the sports he loved.
Jerry is survived by his three loving children, Tammy (Robert) Pierson, Michelle Dryer, and Gerald Thomas Dryer Jr. ("Tommy"); ten cherished grandchildren, Kristen, Kelsey, Karley (Tommy), Kasey (Chris), Isabella, Logan, Aubrianna, Laynee, Adelynn, and Lilian; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Deborah (Michael) McClure, of Swanton; along with three nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Catherine Dryer; and his brothers, William J. Dryer and Ronald Dryer.
Jerry will be remembered for his service, his craftsmanship, and his deep love for his family and country.
Visitation will be at the Reeb Funeral Home, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., where the funeral service will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Online Condolences can be made to
www.reebfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries
Alan Lafferty
November 12, 2025
I'm sad to hear about this. Jerry was one of my best friends and I regret that I didn't see him before his passing. My prayers and condolences go out to Tommy, Tammy and Michelle.
Kathy Bell-Bennett
October 13, 2025
I worked with Jerry at Express.Net Airlines. He was a great coworker. Sorry to hear of his passsing.
Ron & Ann Adams
September 21, 2025
We are so sad to read of Jerry's passing. He was always so friendly at the VFW 2898. We feel lucky to have known him. May he rest in peace.
Patrick C Seitz
September 21, 2025
To the Dryer family,
I was sincerely saddened to read Jerry's obituary today. Many years ago I worked with Jerry at AP Parts. He was an excellent co-worker. I recall he would talk about his Viet Nam experiences. He was a true patriot. The last time I talked with Jerry was when Jim Leper passed away, another Viet Nam vet and AP Parts worker. My sympathy to the family. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Patrick Seitz
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