Frye, Eugene O. 'Gene'

Eugene O. “Gene” Frye, 86, of Marion, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, at his home. Per Gene's wishes, his body was cremated. Family will greet friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion.

Survivors include a daughter, Marie; grandson, Ryan; granddaughter, Gabrielle; two brothers, Calvin and David; a sister, Char; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; a brother, Carl; a daughter, Elizabeth; and grandson, David.

Gene was born Feb. 13, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, the son of Walter and Esther (Olin) Frye. Gene earned his master's degree from Ohio State University. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. On July 8, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mary Aline Warner at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church near Wooster, Ohio. Mary died April 22, 2011.

Gene worked as an electrical engineer at Rockwell Collins for over 30 years, until his retirement. Gene was a 50-year member of both Marion Masonic Lodge 6 A.F. & A.M. and Ebenezer Lodge 33 of Wooster, Ohio. He was also a member of American Legion Post 298 of Marion, and was a longtime member of Oak Chapel United Methodist Church in Wooster, Ohio.

Gene was proud to be a “Career Volunteer,” volunteering at the ISU Extension Service, Marion Metro Kiwanis, the Iowa Woodland Owners Association, Institute of Navigation (past president), and the National Weather Service for over 30 years.

A memorial service is planned for a later date at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church, with burial in the church's Pioneer Cemetery.

Please sign the online guest book for Gene at  under obituaries.

Published Nov. 24, 2011, in The Gazette