Wilson E. Fry, 49

MAGNOLIA - Wilson E. Fry, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2009, in Bayhealth Kent General, Dover. He was 49. He was born in Dover, to Gifford and Pauline Fry of Felton. Mr. Fry was a graduate of Lake Forest High School, where he was a member of the cross country team. He had a love for cross country running that was inspired by the late Jim Blades, the cross country coach. Coach Blades was his favorite coach, friend, and mentor. Several years after high school, on the advice of Coach Blades, Wilson coached at the St. Thomas Moore Academy for several years. He cared a great deal for his athletes, as much as Coach Blades did for him. Mr. Fry retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service. After retiring, he continued serving in the reserves. In the military, Mr. Fry was an airplane mechanic who worked on everything including the C-5. He was also a Chief Flight Engineer, and for many years was stationed in England. He was even on the maintenance crew for the Presidential Squadron attached to 41st President George H.W. Bush. Wilson was very passionate about his job and enjoyed what he did. In his spare time, Wilson enjoyed watching his Dallas Cowboys and rooting for Dale Earnhardt. He also liked to BBQ and would do so all year round, rain or shine. He was fun loving and enjoyed practical jokes. He had a great sense of humor and was always teasing. He enjoyed "arguing" with his niece over football and was a stickler for being on time in his comedic way. Above all, Wilson was a great family man. He made sure his family had everything they needed, even if it meant he worked three jobs. He treated his stepchildren as his own, and loved to spoil his wife and treat her like a princess. He made sure his wife had what she needed which allowed her to do what she wanted to do. He made sure to take his stepchildren to all of their ROTC functions, games, helped with projects, and whatever else that was needed. He did all this by his own doing because he loved and cared for them that much. He took his role of father and husband seriously, and made sure everyone knew how much he loved them. In addition to parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Jacqulyn Fry of Magnolia; daughter, Cheryl Fry of Egg Harbor, N.J.; stepchildren whom he raised as his own, Leanne Lauber of Rochester, N.Y., Robert Lauber of Goldsboro, N.C., Alison Lauber of Magnolia, and Rebecca Lauber of Magnolia; sister, Sharon Chaney (Woody) of Harrington; brother, James C. Fry (Carol) of Harrington; niece, Stacey Ferrell; great nephew, whom he had a special attachment to because he was born on his birthday, Colin Ferrell; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins from Wisconsin. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in Hopkins Cemetery, Felton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE 19952, to help defray funeral expenses. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.