Frank Shry Obituary

Frank Alic Shry met his Savior on November 5, 2021. Frank was born in Durango in 1935, the only child of Frank Shry Jr., and Olga E. Shry and grew up on the south end of 4th Avenue, along with an extended family that lived in the same neighborhood. That was Frank's "Birth Tribe", along with the Priests, Nuns, and parishioners of Sacred Heart Church and School, where he was an attendee, altar-boy, and student. Frank is an Alumnus of the Durango High School Class of 1953.

If you know Frank A. Shry, you know Mary K. Shry. Frank and Mary Kathleen Martin met in the early spring of 1958 and were soon married. They quickly undertook an adventure in the US Air Force, moving out of Durango to places like El Paso, Texas and Seville Spain.

Frank was Honorably Discharged from the USAF in 1962 and the newlyweds returned to Durango with two young boys: Mark and James. Frank returned to his original, steady employer and passion with The Durango Fire Department and they bought their family home. Next to arrive were Daniel and Mary along with an addition to their modest house in the Crestview Area. Soon followed Christine and Frederic "Fritz". There were almost enough Shry's to field a baseball team!

Frank instilled a sense of purpose, duty, and service in his children and all of those he had influence upon. Achieving the office of Assistant Fire Chief, Frank retired from the Durango Fire Department in 1998, after 42 years of service. Frank was a devoted husband and father, fire fighter, youth group leader, garden tender, button box player, bread baker, sausage maker, mushroom picker and wood gatherer. He will be dearly missed. His service to his God, his family, his country, and his community has set an example that should be vigorously and courageously emulated.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Olga Shry as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

Frank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary; daughters Mary (Sam Bainter) of Mancos, Colorado, Christine of Durango, Colorado; sons Mark (Cathy) of Burtonsville, Maryland Jim (Karen) of Cortez, Colorado, Dan (Wyn) of Durango, Colorado and Fritz (Michele) of Durango, Colorado. He was blessed throughout his life with 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Have no fear Dad.....we are on the way!!!!! When it's our time, please hit those lights and sirens so we can find you quicker!

Funeral services will be held at Saint Columba Catholic Church, 1800 E. 2nd Ave, Durango, CO on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at 10am. There will be a celebration of life gathering at the VFW Post# 4031, 1550 N. Main Ave Durango, CO following the service.

Donations in Frank's memory can be made Mercy Hospice, Knights of Columbas, the 100 club or Saint Columba School.