Lyndol Fry
Lyndol Fry, 82, passed away on Jan. 15, 2024 at Choctaw Memorial Hospital in Hugo, Okla.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Hugo, wit the Rev. Michael Dye officiating.
Lyndol Fry was born July, 23, 1941, in Hugo, Okla., the son of Charles Albert Fry and Anna Bee (Johnson) Fry. Lyndol grew up in Hugo during a time when he and his friends ruled the day. Lyndol Fry wore many hats during his lifetime. They represented a varied collection of interests, careers and personal choices.
His work started early as he became part of the family businesses of R. M. Fry Lumber Company and the Creosote Plant. There, he joined his brothers Wyndol and Larry, and cousins Phillip, Frank, Martin and Henry. Questions were always whispered as to how much work was really getting done. They always answered, “Plenty!”
Following college, he and his brother, Larry owned and operated Fry Men’s Wear in downtown Hugo for 10 years. He helped dress the “best” in the “best.” During this time, he also served as a State Wildlife Commissioner for four years. He worked tirelessly to showcase southeastern Oklahoma with its abundance of outdoor opportunities.
In the mid 70s, he participated in probably the most exciting adventure a guy could have. He helped capture and tranquilize two escaped elephants from the local circus, Isa and Lilly, where they are currently enjoying retirement at the Endangered Ark east of Hugo. This escapade captured national attention by all sorts of media. What positive publicity for Hugo and Choctaw County!
On the heels of the elephants’ capture, he was summoned to San Jose, Calif., to help in yet another wild animal’s capture. A large black bear was on the loose. Lyndol’s recipe was successful as the bear feasted on peanut butter and honey in a local neighborhood tree.
Next came Lyndol’s cops and robbers time as he served as a deputy and special investigator for the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Department. Many stories, always true, of course, resulted from these encounters. He also went to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s Academy for training, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He spent time in the evenings as “security” for the OU football team and lived in the football dormitory in Norman during his training at the Academy. He loved those Sooners!
Ready for a little “downtime,” he returned to college for his Master’s Degree in School Administration at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree earlier at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He spent the next 35 years as a teacher and principal in both Antlers High School as a Bearcat and Hugo High School (his Alma Mater) as a Buffalo. He loved all of his kids and they loved him back. “If you love your job, it’s not work,” he said often. In his “spare time,” he followed his longtime love of the outdoors –– hunting and fishing. He loved having his family and friends at his cabins on Little River in the beautiful Kiamichi Mountains known as “Fry’s Raincreek Outpost.” Memories were made which lasted a lifetime for Lyndol and so many others. He shared his many experiences with readers of his “Oklahoma Outdoors” column in the Hugo Daily News.
His favorite hat, however, had several names –– Husband, Daddy, Grandad, Bub, and Friend. He fulfilled these titles in the best possible way as he was a part of their lives. His influence was felt by everyone he touched.
So, as the sun sets on this life well-lived, we can almost hear him saying, “Many are called; few are chosen.” Lyndol was a member of the great Hugo High School class of 1959, that he was so proud of. “Once a Buffalo, always a Buffalo!”
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Fry, of the home; his daughter, Melissa Jones and her husband, Jeff of Hugo. Lyndol’s joy for life was further amplified by his grandchildren: Jeffery Jones and wife, Rachel of Hugo, John Jones and wife, Sarah of Oklahoma City, Jennifer Jones of Norman, Okla., and his adored great-grandchildren: Jocelyn Jones and Wesley Jones. A host of other relatives and friends also feel the absence of his comforting presence.
Preceded in death by his son, Michael Fry; parents, Charles Albert Fry and Anna Bee (Johnson) Fry; brothers: Wyndol Fry and Larry Fry. Lyndol’s memory will live on in the many hearts he touched. Remembered for his loving nature, he leaves behind a legacy of warm memories and enduring affection.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hugo High School Athletic Department at 1603 East Kirk, Hugo, OK 74743 or The First United Methodist Church, Drawer M, Hugo, OK 74743.
Burial followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo.
Online condolences can be made at www. praterlampton.com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.
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