Private U.S. Army Cal. Div. World War II Veteran
Birth : 30 Dec 1925 Spur, Dickens County, Texas
Death : 11 Apr 1944 Ft. Hood, Bell County, Texas
Burial: Red Mud Cemetery
Father: Robert Eugene Fry
Mother: Ruth Imogene Brantner
Private Lee Wesley Fry
Funeral rites for Pvt. Lee W. Fry, who was drowned at Camp Hood, Wednesday, April 11 [1945], were held at the Church of Christ at Red Mud at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, with C. V. Allen officiating.Private Fry entered the service on Dec. 21, 1944, and was undergoing training at Camp Hood at the time of his death. When the fatal accident occurred, Private Fry, on bivouac with other men in his company, was crossing a food bridge constructed over a stream of water, when the bridge suddenly gave way. Private Fry fell into the water and was drowned before rescue was possible. Details of the accident have not been revealed.
On Dec. 30, 1924, Lee Fry was born to Mr. And Mrs. Gene Fry. He attended school in Kalgary and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Prior to Allen´s message to the congregation, Cpl. William E. Floyd, Jr., military escort of Private Fry´s body, spoke briefly expressing the regret of other men in the company that they were not able to pay their last respects to their comrade in person.
Pallbearers were R. C. Kirkland, Orie Smith, Doyle Hinson, Dolph Shields, Condie Starrett, and Lawis Witt.
Honorary pallbearers were Corporal Floyd, Privates Eldon McClain, Johnnie McClain, Joe Thornton, Matthews Gruben and Calvin Holloway.
Flower bearers were Tookie Starrett, Mary Ann Starrett, Christine Witt, Martinine Turbyfield, Winona Pace, Johnnie Morris, Doylene Hinson and Vonda Howell.
Private Fry is survived by his parents, six [seven] brothers, Pfc. Carl N. Fry, Philippines, Pfc. Doyle T. Fry, Great Falls, Mont., Pvt. Keith R. Fry, France, and Edd, Errett [Erit], Foy and Alton Fry, Red Mud; two sisters, Emma Jean [Imogene] and Vernell Fry, Red Mud; a grandmother, Mrs. A. Fry, Spur, and a grandfather, A. L. Brantner, Girard.
The three brothers in the service have written and requested that The Texas Spur express their appreciation for the sympathy and consideration of their friends in their bereavement.
The over seas address of Pvt. Keith R. Fry may be obtained at The Texas Spur Office.
Private Fry was buried at the Red Mud Cemetery.
Transcribed by Ron Brantner
Note: The sergeant was rushing the recruits onto the foot bridge over a swollen stream during a rainstorm and forced too many onto the foot bridge. Lee was more-or-less killed by "friendly fire."
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