Donald “Wayne” Frye
1949 – 2022
The world lost a gentle giant of a man, a man of few words, a US Marine, a Dallas cowboys and a Shania Twain fan. But most of all, a wonderful husband, a fantastic dad, brother, friend and grandpa that will forever stand the test of time. Wayne, you were an example of what a man should be and held yourself as such and raised a son that is doing the same. You did well in this life sir. You will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest easy and know that your memory will be carried on.
Wayne entered this world to Emerson and Gladys Frye on September 6th 1949 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma where he spent his time with his brothers Dean “Bear”, and David until he joined the US Marine corps serving for 5 years including embassy duty at The Hague In Southern Holland. There he met the love of his life Marie Wells. They where married on December 27th, 1976 in Arlington, Virginia. They moved to Northern Utah where Wayne attended and graduated from Weber State college. He then started his career with Browning arms company where he proudly worked until he retired and made countless friends and memories during this time.
In 1980 Wayne gained a new best friend his son Travis. They spent hours together on road trips. Going to Oklahoma to visit family. They also enjoyed a love of soccer. Wayne was a referee for AYSO and spent hundreds of hours on the fields. One of the happiest days of Wayne’s life happened in 2005 when he became a grandfather to a little girl who is partly named after him Dawnavin. She was his little walking buddy.
After Wayne retired He and Marie moved to Las Vegas to soak up the sun, Play endless hours of Pai Gow and enjoyed walking trails. Wayne was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s but that didn’t slow him down. He modeled clothes for people with Parkinson’s picked up boxing at the local gym and continued to walk the trails.
Wayne was a selfless man. In fact, he even made sure his body was donated to science for Parkinson’s research.
Wayne left this world on his terms on July 14th, 2022 with his wife and son by his side.
Wayne is survived by his wife Marie of Las Vegas, Son Travis, daughter-in-law Stacy and granddaughter Dawnavin of Ogden as well as his brother David and sister in law Marilyn of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and their family as well as many friends. he was proceeded in death by his parents Emerson and Gladys and his brother Bear.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 11th, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., military honors will be done at 11:00 a.m. all at the Jensen Nature Park 3176 South Bluff Road Syracuse, Utah 84075