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Gerald Thomas Dryer

1949 - 2025

Gerald Thomas Dryer obituary, 1949-2025, Sylvania, OH

BORN

1949

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Reeb Funeral Home

5712 North Main Street

Sylvania, Ohio

UPCOMING SERVICE

Funeral Service

Sep. 24, 2025

11:00 a.m.

Reeb Home (Sylvania, Ohio)

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Gerald Dryer Obituary

Gerald Thomas Dryer

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.

Published by The Blade on Sep. 21, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Gerald Dryer

Sep

23

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Reeb Home (Sylvania, Ohio)

5712 N. Main Street, Sylvania, OH 43560

Sep

24

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Reeb Home (Sylvania, Ohio)

5712 N. Main Street, Sylvania, OH 43560

Sep

24

Interment

12:00 p.m.

Toledo Memorial Park

Funeral services provided by:

Reeb Funeral Home

5712 North Main Street, Sylvania, OH 43560

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Dryer

Sponsored by Reeb Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

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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