Donald Fry, 89, of Sharon Springs, KS, passed away October 20, 2020.
Don entered this world on July 10, 1931 in McMillen, MO, born to Lyman and Ina Fry. He was raised in western Kansas, graduating from Wallace County High School. After graduation, he spent several decades traveling across the United States and throughout the world, before returning to his hometown.
He was a taxi driver, raced cars, flew helicopters and worked at the Flight Research Center at NASA. He proudly served in the Korean War as a Radioman Third Class in the United States Navy. He worked as an aircraft mechanic in Vietnam and Iran before eventually returning to western Kansas with his family.
After moving back to Sharon Springs, he worked as an employee of USD 241, a power plant operator, and a farmer. He was happiest when he was working on his farm, spending time with his family, reading or calling a round of bingo at the VFW.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Ina Fry, and a sister, Colleen Barber. He is survived by his beloved wife Hao, his two children, Russell Fry and his wife Leslie; and Michael Fry and his wife Tricia. He has four grandchildren, including Ethan, Sam and Will Fry, and Peyton Fry. His surviving siblings include Arlene Henderson, Orval Fry, Fred Fry, Emelie McAlister, Linda Gates and Karen Haynes.
There will be a private family ceremony at a later date.
Memorials may be designated to the Wallace County Community Care Center and may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.
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