Donald “Donnie” E. Fry, 72, of Smithville passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare.
He was born on November 9, 1952, in Orrville to Donald A. and Marjorie G. Ewing Fry. He was raised in Congress and Smithville. He married Cindy Miller who he was married to for forty years. She survives.
Donnie graduated from Smithville High School in 1971. He worked for the water & street department in Smithville for thirty years, worked for Buehler’s Fresh Foods for thirty-two years, and worked for Lerch’s Donuts for over twenty years. He attained numerous certifications as a State and National Fire and Arson inspector and instructor. Donnie served as a volunteer fire fighter for Smithville Fire Department for over seventeen years, including ten years as fire chief. He was on the Wayne County Public Library Board of Trustees for six years including two as board President. Donnie was an OHSAA track and field official for sixteen years. He was an announcer and clock operator for Smithville High School Football for twenty-five years and also kept the scorebook for men’s and women’s basketball for sixteen years. Donnie was an avid reader of various subjects.
In addition to his wife Cindy, he is survived by his children Brian (Ashley) Fry of Colorado Springs, CO, Kerri (Joe) Seay of Toledo, Cortney (Caleb) Hunyadi of Wadsworth, Close family friend Todd (Megan) Fisher; grandchildren Clayton, Adeline, Stuart, Florence, Gilbert, and Wilson Seay, Cassandra and Coralyn Hunyadi; siblings Judy (Jeff) Vincent, Cindy (Chip) Pavis, Jerry (Donna) Fry, Bob (Ginny), Bill (Carol), and Jim (Laura) Ewing; numerous nieces and nephews.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents.
Graveside Services will be held on Friday November 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Congress Cemetery, 11001 Stratton Rd., West Salem, Ohio, with Pastor John Hyter who also presided over Don and Cindy’s wedding officiating.
There is to be no calling hours.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St. Wooster is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Smithville Community Firemen’s Benefit Association, 232 N. Summit St. P.O. Box 338, Smithville, Ohio 44677 or Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd. Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Online condolences may be directed to www.mcinitirebradhamsleek.com.
Cindy and family, Deb and I are so sorry for your loss .prayers through this difficult time for your family
Cindy, Brian, Kerri, and Courtney (and families), I am so very sorry for the loss of Donnie. He was a wonderful man in life whose positive impact will be felt for many decades to come. Jennica and I have you all in our prayers.
Dear Cindy and family, We were saddened to learn about Don’s passing. He certainly was a man for the people in his whole life. He always had a smile on his face and always asked about family happenings and events. He will be greatly missed by many, many folks. Please know you all are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Sincerely, Dave and Carolyne
Cindy & family:
So sorry for the loss of your brother. I remembered him from Buehler’s and Lerch’s. May God provide comfort to all during this time.
Julie Leathers Stahl
and your Quota of Wayne County Sisters and Brothers
Cindy, Brian, Kerri, and Courtney—I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and dad. Donnie was a huge positive wonderful influence for me during my youth. I always looked forward to the time I spent with him during track season. He brought great joy to every life he touched. I’m so glad I got a chance to visit with you guys during the Quilts of Valor ceremony at the fair. My love, thoughts, and prayers to all of you.
Cindy and Family
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Donnie. He loved his family and a true servant to the community. He touched so many lives in his walk of life. God bless
Cindy, I am sorry for your loss of Donnie. We need more good men like him.
Cindy, Jan and I send our condolences to you and your family. We didn’t know Donnie was under hospice care. I am doing dialysis right now so we won’t be able to attend Donnie’s funeral service today but we wanted to let you know we are thinking of you.
Cindy and Bob, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of Donnie. May the wonderful memories you have see you through this time of sorrow. God Bless.