Robert "Bob" Martin Fry

Robert “Bob” Martin Fry, 94, of rural Robinson, IL passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 at the Magnolia Center at Crawford Memorial Hospital. He was born August 20, 1924, in Robinson, IL, the son of Walter V. and Bessie K. (Otey) Fry, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Clellene R. (McCarty) Fry on May 10, 1947, who preceded him in death on November 12, 1955. He then married Irene (Goff) Fry on September 22, 1956, who also preceded him in death on January 3, 2009. He was also preceded in death by brothers: William O., George E., Harold W.; sisters: Mary F. Martin, Joann J. Scarborough; and by his son Jack Martin Fry. Left to share Bob’s memories are his sons & daughter-in-law: William D. Fry (Casey, IL), Clell R. & Rita Fry (Stoy, IL); grandchildren: Melissa K. Zerkel & husband Loren (Olney, IL) and Kevin L. Fry & wife Lindsey (Robinson, IL); and great-grandson and best buddy Blake Robert Fry. He is also survived by brothers & sisters-in-law: Rex & Pat Fry (Joppa, IL), Steve & Hazel Fry (Broken Arrow, OK), long-time best friend and neighbor Charlie Rains, and several nieces and nephews. Bob was a 1942 graduate of Robinson Township High School. He served in the U.S. Army Airborne Division during WWII in Europe. Bob was never a stranger to a hard day’s work. He made his living in the oilfield as the owner and operator of R.M. Fry Oil and Gas Well Service. He also provided a portable welding service. He ran a beef cattle operation and sold custom hay and silage for many years. Some of Bob’s favorite hobbies included gardening, hunting, camping, and fishing with wife Irene. Bob spent his retirement working on his farm, where he could always be found mowing and making improvements to the place with the help of his sidekick, his dog, Tinkerbelle. Bob will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his pranks, and his trail of laughter. You could always be sure that half of his stories were true, but you would never know which half that was. He simply enjoyed his life and would tell you that he had a lot of fun being able to experience so many interesting things. He had endless wisdom to offer to those smart enough to listen. He was selfless and kind. But, perhaps his proudest accomplishment, in all of his 94 years, was being a grandpa…it was his calling in life. A time of visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Following the visitation, military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to either “Crawford County Quilts of Valor” or to the “Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549” for the continued care of the post’s flag. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.