Herbert Clark Fry

Herbert Clark Fry, 88, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on Saturday, January 9, surrounded by his family. Born in Walla Walla, Washington, Herb was 30 seconds older than his identical twin, Leonard.

He graduated from Salem High in 1945 and served in the U.S. Navy at Treasure Island until his discharge on his birthday in 1946. Herb briefly attended Linfield College but soon began working with a Navy buddy, Salem builder Ernie Fish, a work relationship that continued for 40 plus years. In 1950, he joined the Salem Fire Department.

In 1961, he married Rhea Joyce Jones and adopted her two daughters, Debby and Cindy, embracing them as his own.

In 1987, he retired as Fire Captain of Station 3. For many years in retirement, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and served as an usher for First Baptist and on the Sea Krest property committee, the church’s lodge in Newport. He was also a faithful supporter of his five grandchildren, never missing a game or concert during their school years.

A longtime resident on Keizer’s Ivy Way, in a home he lovingly built for his family, he and Rhea eventually moved to a condo at McNary Estates and then to Redwood Heights.

Herb is survived by his wife of 54 years; his daughters, Debby Williams (Terry) and Cindy Watson; his grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Watson, Amy (Vaughn) Morrison, Matt Williams, Joel (Jenice) Williams, and Allison (John) Galvin; 14 great-grandchildren, Codie, Christian, Colton, Ashlyn, Chloe, Riley, Katelyn, Parker, Talen, Josiah, Jonah, Julia, Jadon and Delaney; and his twin.

Services will be Thursday, January 14 at 2 pm, at First Baptist Church, 395 Marion St NE, Salem.