Frye, Ernie 1934-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
Ernest Leroy Frye, 90, St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.
He was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Hallie and Cynthia Frye.
Ernie had five siblings, Harold Frye, deceased, wife, Ester, also deceased, Helena Frye, deceased, husband, Junior, also deceased, Lyle Frye, deceased, wife, Merle, who is also deceased, Ruby (Frye) Wiggler, her husband, Carl Wiggler, deceased, and his little brother, Gene Frye and his wife Pat.
Ernie and his two brothers, Lyle and Gene, moved with their parents to Berryville, Arkansas, in 1947. Ernie attended the Berryville High School where he lettered in football playing on a football team consisting of only six players. He also lettered in basketball.
In 1950 Ernie and his best buddy, Ernie Krawcyk, both 16 years of age, joined the Army without their parent’s knowledge. His mother learned of this, knowing you had to be 16, contacted the recruiter who released him from the enlistment. Later he received notice he was to report for the Korean War. He did not have to report for war as he had two children. Ernie did receive an honorable discharge from the Army.
Ernie attended and graduated from Pickett High school where he met his high school sweetheart, Dee Inman. Both he and Dee graduated together from Pickett. Ernie continued playing sports for Pickett and lettered in basketball and six man football.
Dee and Ernie were married in St. Joseph in 1952 and soon moved to Rawlins, Wyoming, where Dee began her career as a bookkeeper for the Wyoming Dairy.
Ernie and Dee have two children, Mark Alan Frye, wife, Jodie (McMurray) Frye, and Paula Joan (Frye) McGee, and husband, Bob McGee. Both children were born in Rawlins.
Ernie became a Game Warden and a Big Game Hunting Guide in Rawlins. Ernie loved hunting almost as much as he loved his wife Dee! He so enjoyed camping and hiking in the mountains of Wyoming and while in Wyoming, Ernie worked for the Union Pacific Railroad.
In 1960, Ernie and Dee moved to St. Joseph where Ernie bought and opened his Champlain Service Station which he kept for 10 years. Ernie employed and helped so many people through the station and became a mentor to so many. He later became a realtor and an election judge (for 12 years) until he fully retired.
Ernie and his wife, Dee, were members of Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church for many years where they enjoyed the honor of being greeters for the church for 12 years. Ernie was a Christian and his church and Jesus were held close in his heart.
Ernie was a longtime member of the Shriners at Moila where he and Dee spent so much time and enjoyed the company of so many. He was a member of the Oltimers for many years. Ernie had a couple of cars, a 1941 Chevy Master Deluxe and a 1964 Buick Skylark that were paraded in the many parades with the Oltimers Unit.
Ernie was a member of the Legion of Honor, High Twelve and Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite. Ernie respected and was dedicated to the commitment of being a member to these organizations.
Ernie spent so much time teaching and coaching his children in sports. He coached his son’s baseball and basketball teams. He was forever cheering at track meets and softball games statewide with his daughter. Later, Ernie continued to love fishing with Dee and teaching and hunting with his son, Mark, his grandsons, Clay and Jake, and his great-grandson, Henry.
In his retirement, Ernie spent time enjoying his many hobbies. Golfing with his buddies at Moila and in the south. Traveling with Dee. He loved buying and repairing antique fishing reels. He loved shopping for and collecting antique fishing lures. He was an avid coin collector. Additionally, Ernie loved watching football, baseball and college basketball with Dee. Most of all Ernie prided himself on being the best husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and mentor to others. His family believes he succeeded!
Dee was the love of his life and they enjoyed every day together. They could talk endlessly with one another and laugh at themselves and each other.
Ernie was also preceded in death by granddaughter, Amanda Frye.
Additional survivors include his wife, Dee; children, Mark Frye (Jodie) and Paula McGee (Bob); grandchildren, Clay McGee, Jake Frye, Ricci Bonebrake (Joe), and Clair McGee; and great-grandchildren, Kara Franks, Robert McGee, Anna McGee, Tallulah Bonebrake, Ever Rose Bonebrake, and River Gray Bonebrake.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Moila Shrine Temple.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
