Andrew Junior Fry

Andrew Junior Fry, 95, of Columbia, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully Friday, August 26, 2016 at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia. The proud World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient was born May 16, 1921 in Tacoma, Washington to Andrew and Ellen Fry, and he grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. On December 16, 1944, he married Shirley Binder, who passed on October 30, 2010. They moved from San Diego in 1951 and lived in Hatton, Missouri area until 1993, when they moved to Columbia. Andrew farmed for years and drove a school bus for Hatton-McCredie Elementary School students in Callaway County. He worked from 1968 through retirement in 1986 for Callaway Electric in Fulton. Andrew worked part time at the Econo Lodge in Columbia until he chose to stay home due to Shirley's health challenges. They were active at the Oakland Senior Center for many years. He was a member of Olivet Christian Church of Columbia. Andrew also served as a 4-H project leader for carpentry and electrical projects. Andrew had fond memories of serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1938-40. He was known for telling many colorful stories from his World War II days. He served as a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corps from December 1942 until he was honorably discharged in November 1945. He was a flight engineer on a B24 that flew missions over northern Europe until his aircraft was shot down. Andrew took shrapnel in both Achilles tendons and recovered in Sweden after a time of being MIA and POW. Survivors include six children: Cindy Fry and Judy Fry of Columbia, Bob Fry (Karen) of Fulton, Kathy Kausler (Don) of Florence, S.C., Charlie Fry of Fulton and George Fry (Bonnie) of Long Lane, Missouri; grandchildren: Rose Kausler, Paige Gregg (Russ) and Donald Kausler (Jessica); great-grandchildren: Ross Gregg and Peyton Kausler. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albert and Bruce; sister, Lou Ellen Chambers; and granddaughter, Shanda Fry. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Rev. Wesley Knight with Olivet Christian Church will conduct the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd,. Ste. 1-C, Box 334, Columbia, MO 65203. Online condolences can be made at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.