Durward Gold Frye

Durward Gold Frye, 91, of Lynchburg passed away at home the morning of January 10, 2010.  He is survived by Gertrude Gasper Frye, his wife of 59 years and loving caregiver.  Durward was born at home on April 3, 1918 in Back Creek Valley, near Shanghai, WV.  He was the son of William Gold and Blanche Mason Frye, the grandson of William and Mary (Molly) Powell Frye, and John Davie and Laura Naismith Mason.  Durward was preceded in death by first wife, Phyllis Myers Frye, who passed away in 1948.  Also preceding Durward in death were his brothers Harry, Bruce, James and Ensign Frye, and sister, Mildred Frye Albright.   He is survived by his sister Hazel Frye Lewis of Martinsburg, WV.

Durward is also survived by three sons and two daughters; Gary Frye and wife Gloria of Lynchburg, Elaine Frye Powers and husband Bill of Boca Raton, FL, Dennis Frye and wife Glenda of Lynchburg, Leonard Frye and wife Valerie of Madison Hgts, and Gayle Frye Buchanan of Forest. He is also preceded in death by daughter Shirley Frye Jones of Bedford.

Also surviving Durward are grandchildren Katherine Frye Thomas and husband Ed of Lynchburg, Gregory Frye and wife Teresa of Yokasuka, Japan, Marc Dufort and wife Marianne of Greensboro, NC, Nicole Dufort Overstreet and husband Chris of Bedford, Sherri Wood Magnus of Edinburg, Dorian M. Chelland and husband Billy of Apopka, FL, Lauren Frye of Lynchburg, Matthew Frye of Lynchburg, Nicholas Frye and wife Rebecca of Madison Hgts, Jessica Frye of Lynchburg, David Buchanan of Philadelphia, PA, Katie Buchanan of Madison Hgts, and step-grandson Ken Hudson and wife Barbara of Memphis, TN.  Durward has 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Durward spent his early years in the Back Creek Valley of West Va and always enjoyed visits to the area, especially during apple harvest time.  During the Great Depression the family moved from Mt. Glen Orchard, living in several residences in Martinsburg, WV and other surrounding communities.  During World War II Durward served in the 832nd Bombardment Squadron as a Sergeant, stationed in England.  He was a 44 year employee of Peoples Drug Stores, transferring in 1951 from Martinsburg to Lynchburg as the food counter manager of the store located on the corner of 9th and Main Streets.  He also managed the stores at Pittman Plaza and Fort Hill Village during his employment, retiring in 1982.

Durward was a long time member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, ministering as an usher, cantor, member of the choir, and was a past member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, 2125 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, the Joy Fund of Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504, or your preferred charity.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 6:00-7:30 pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father J. Kenneth Rush officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Church Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424.