David Lee Fry

Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age and gray hairs

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

GARRETT — David Lee Fry was rescued by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The passing of time brought changes to his body and mind from which he could no longer recover from in this world.

He was born on Aug. 26, 1937, in Dekalb County, Indiana.

By faith, David believed in what he could not see with physical eyes. Throughout his life he read God's word and witnessed God's faithfulness to him.

His rescue reunited David with his father and mother, Garman and Laura (King) Fry, Garrett Indiana. He spoke of them often in his final months.

He was also reunited with his beloved grandmother, Clara Cornelia (Ball) Fry. She passed when David was only 5 years old. Her passing left a deep impression on him and he often spoke of his love for her and his great sorrow at her passing. His grandmother was the keeper of the cookie jar. She showed David her love by keeping the cookie jar well-stocked just for him. He was free to eat them whenever he wanted. What a time that reunion will be!

David leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Norma (Hixson) Fry.

Other survivors include his twin brothers, Gerald (Donna Jean) Fry, of Auburn Indiana, and Jerald (Donna June) Fry, of Garrett, Indiana; and brothers, Don Fry (Susan) Dover, of Delaware, and Bill Fry, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Sister-in-law, Donna June Fry (Jerald) preceded him in death in February 2020.

David was blessed with an incredible memory as far back as 2 years old. He recounted many vivid stories of his early life and the history of this area.

As a child, David moved 21 times in 21 years, as his father was a farm hand for many area farmers in DeKalb and Noble counties.

As a result of these numerous moves, David attended and was educated in more than a dozen one-room school houses in both DeKalb and Noble counties. He developed a passion for these vanishing treasures scattered throughout the countryside.

He also maintained a close, loving relationship with his first-grade teacher, until she passed at nearly 100 years old.

When he was 5 years old, he was gifted a harmonica, which he quickly learned to play by ear. Just name a tune, and if he knew it, he could play it.

He performed his last song on the harmonica just a few weeks before he passed. He was also a gifted singer from childhood, singing in the barber shop for pennies and gum balls as a little boy. He would continue into adulthood, singing in area churches and nursing homes. He sang his last hymn, Blessed Assurance, five days before his passing.

David’s passion for local history took him to the ACD Museum where he volunteered his time educating guests on the history of these beautiful automobiles.

David loved butter pecan, and black walnut ice cream, often wiping his bowl clean with a piece of bread in order to get every last bit.

David often spoke fondly of his working days at Auburn Rubber Company, County Line Cheese and the Axel Division of Dana Corporation.

While on road trips, it was normal to hear the words, “That’s a Dana axel!” He could spot them on cars ahead of him. He knew what they looked like, in fact he had probably personally inspected it before it was shipped.

David never met a stranger, often forming lasting friendships with acquaintances encountered on their travels.

Surviving descendants are daughters, Phyllis (Vance) Hamlin, of Kendallville, Indiana, Diane (Peter) McKinney, of Greenwood, Indiana, and Judith Fry, of Indianapolis, Indiana; and his son, Timothy Fry, of Waterloo, Indiana; grandchildren, Melinda (Russ) White, Aimee (Thomas) Rhoden and Nathaniel Hamlin; great-grandchildren, Rebekah White, Lucas White, Abriella Rhoden, Emersyn Rhoden, Jaxson Rhoden, Olivia Rhoden, Lillian Hamlin, Maisie Hamlin and Clara Hamlin; stepsons, Paul (Lisa) Schoolcraft, Carl Schoolcraft and John (Karen) Schoolcraft; step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeremy) Riggs, Peter Jr. (Erin) McKinney, Liza McKinney, Brooke (Andrew) Line, Lily Schoolcraft, Emma Schoolcraft, Colby (Brie) Schoolcraft, Jesse (Caitlyn) Schoolcraft and Johnny (Katie) Schoolcraft; step-great-grandchildren, Korey (Brooke) Riggs, Leland Riggs, Emma Riggs, Tyler McKinney, Chase McKinney-Baatz, Hazel Schoolcraft, Quinlee Schoolcraft, Riddick Schoolcraft, Raina Line and Kali Line.

Services will be held at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 C.R. 56, Garrett, Indiana, on Thursday, March 7, 2024..

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m.

Pastor Thomas Wilcoxson, of The Church at Garrett, will officiate.

Pallbearers are Nathaniel Hamlin, Stephan Fry, Justin Fry, Corey Fry, Dustin Fry and Jesse Schoolcraft.

David and Norma attended the Church at Garrett, where they were cared for in both spiritual and practical ways in their later years.

The family wishes to thank The Church at Garrett for their steadfast support during these difficult times.

The family wishes to thank all those who cared for David at The Laurels of Butler Nursing Home. The love and compassion you expressed toward David and those who loved him is greatly appreciated.

We also wish to thank Parkview Hospice for their outstanding care as well.

Those wishing to make a donation in David’s honor may give to The Church at Garrett or to The Wayne Center One Room School House, Wayne Center District No. 7 Historical Site, 1109 Hickory Hill Drive, Kendallville.

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