July 25, 1947 – March 27, 2022
Donald Lee Fryling, 74, Noblesville, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 25, 1947, to Donald and Norma (Sexton) Fryling in Jacksonville, Fla.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Army in the Security Agency while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He graduated from Western Michigan University and worked as a teacher for 30 years. Don married Patricia Bishop in April 1970 and raised three sons on the family fruit farm in Michigan while both were teachers. Don was a Boy Scout leader and a youth sports coach. Don was a driver’s ed instructor after retiring from teaching. In 2018, Don and Patricia moved to Indiana to be near their grandkids. He was an avid car lover, a history buff, and a huge Michigan State fan.
Don is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Patricia Fryling; sons, Chris (Andrea) Fryling, Jon (Kellie) Fryling, and Matt (Reem) Fryling; grandchildren, Valerie, Gabriel, Kyndal, Ryan, Maxton, Greyson and Luca; cousin, Nancee (Jeff) Sexton-Stone; sister-in-law, Pam Hirsch and brother-in-law, Robert Hirsch; sister-in-law, Maureen Bishop; and his beloved black labradoodle, Gracie.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle, Carroll Sexton; aunt, Barbie Sexton; and grandparents, Nettie and Carroll Sexton.
A celebration of life will take place late summer in southwest Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (sarett.org); or Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5400 S. Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085 (humanesocietyswm.org).
Condolences: randallroberts.com