Alex Wendell Fry

Alex Wendell Fry, 85, died Monday, November 23, 2009, at an Abilene medical center. Born in Kent County, Texas on June 25, 1924, Alex was the son of Esther (Cobb) and Albert Alexander Fry. After graduation from Spur High School in 1942, he served in the U S Navy on the U.S.S. Beckham during World War II. He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific - 2 Stars, American Area and Victory Ribbon. He was a cowboy and rancher having worked on various ranches including The Pitchfork and The Spur Ranch. Alex also served as County Commissioner for Glasscock County for 12 years (1978-1990). He moved from Kerrville, Texas to Abilene in October of 2001. His parents; three brothers, A.T. Fry, Thedford Fry and Dale Fry; and two sisters, Adrian Fry and Lucille Smith, preceded Alex in death. Alex is survived by his wife, Janet Fry of Buffalo Gap; children, Tammy Halfmann and husband, Butch of Garden City, Kay Gilstrap and husband, Stephen, and Patricia Smith all of Midland; and special son, Dr. Norm Poorman and wife, Angel, of Abilene. He is also survived by grandchildren, Marianne Halfmann, Alex Clay Halfmann, Suzanne McGloughlin, Jason Smith, Dustin Smith, Hunter Poorman and Hayden Poorman; stepchildren, Hal and Deb Poorman and Sam and Mo Poorman all of Kerrville, Tonja Griffin and Mary Jane Poorman of Houston, and Van and Irma Poorman of Katy; 11 step-grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was known as Paw Paw. Survivors also include one sister, Nada Ivy and husband, Grady, of Powell, Wyoming; two brothers, Bill Fry and wife, Tennie, and Mack Fry and wife, Sharon, all of Lubbock; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins including one special nephew and friend, Sonny Fry and his wife, Jody. The family expresses special thanks for the gentle care and kindness provided by the Hendrick Hospice Care. Visitation in Garden City, Texas will be 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, at the First Baptist Church of Garden City prior to the funeral service at 2 p.m. officiated by Koby Abney. Burial will follow in the Garden City Cemetery directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Pallbearers will be Butch Halfmann, Stephen Gilstrap, Alex Clay Halfmann, Jason Smith, Dustin Smith, Dr. Norm Poorman and Sam McGloughlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Fry, Buck Craft, Royce "Booger" Pruitt, Vernon Gill, David Fry, James Cypert and Billy Light. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 S Pioneer Drive, Suite 105, Abilene, Texas 79605, or a charity of the donor's choice.