Vernon Eugene Fryer Sr., 97 of St. Clair, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Gene, as he was known to family and friends, was born May 25, 1925 in South Point near Washington MO to Pierce Fryer and Elva (Meyers) Fryer.

He was united in marriage to Sarah (McPherson) Fryer, on January 14, 1947

Gene entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 and proudly served his country during WWll. He served onboard five ships, including the USS Rochambeau. After his service in the Navy, he worked as a logger by trade.

He enjoyed fishing and read anything from newspapers to books, but most of all eh enjoyed tome spent with his family and swapping stories with friends. He was a member of the V. F. W.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Pierce and Elva Fryer, his wife Sarah (McPherson) Fryer, two sons, Pierce Raymond Fryer and Dee Lynn Fryer, two sisters, Helen Neider and Jane Tyler, four brothers, Pierce Fryer, Robert Fryer, Jesse Fryer and Raymond Fryer, and one granddaughter Tina Oakley.

He is survived by one daughter, Brenda and husband David Reinken of Pacific, two sons, David Fryer and Mari Reynolds of Wildwood, MO and Vernon Fryer and Clara Crawford of Ballwin, MO, 15 grandchildren; Dave Fryer, Jimmy Fryer, Tammy Schulte, Tracy Dickey, Elta Green, Keith Fryer, Christene Saucedo, Sheila Hirsch, Jennifer Reinken, Richard Reinken, Amie Fryer, Brian Fryer, Raymond Fryer and Kassandra Fryer, and the late Tina Oakley: 22 great grandchildren: and 8 great-great grandchildren; Nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends.

Graveside service for family will be held at a later date at the Hendrix Cemetery at Stanton, MO.