Ross Lauder Fryer, III

Ross Lauder Fryer III, known affectionately as “Skipper” to his family, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Claremore, Oklahoma. Born on September 18, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to the loving parents of Ross Fryer Junior (Father) and Mary Jane (Papworth) Fryer, along with two older sisters, Mary Jane (Fryer) Ten Eyck and Martha (Fryer) Johnson. Ross's 81 years were marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, and passion for his many interests.

As a child, Ross’ family moved to Schenectady, N.Y., where he engaged in many interests and activities, such as excelling as a pitcher in the international Babe Ruth baseball league, being an active member of the Cub Scouts, earning as many merit badges as possible, and achieving his marksman certification in shooting while attending summer camp. One of the many memorable things that Ross took pride in was being chosen as the lead character (The Captain) in his sixth-grade production of HMS Pinafore. He mentioned this experience several times to his family as a milestone. Among other interests, Ross also enjoyed competing in swimming at the local YMCA and building model railroads from paper to reality. Model railroading or railroading in general will be a passion Ross will hold on to throughout the entire journey of his life.

Another significant time in Ross’s life is when he spent his summers in Alexandrea Bay, New York, also known as the Thousand Islands, with his family in their summer home known as “Comfort Island”. It is here where Ross learned to swim and spent time with his father building a 20-foot runabout boat affectionately named the “Fool Thing,” where he would navigate the St. Lawerance River.

During his teen years, Ross earned extra money by delivering newspapers on two routes: early morning before school and afternoon after school. Earning money soon led to Ross obtaining a job as a golf caddie at the Mohawk Golf Club (Still in Existence today), where he not only caddied but also learned the game of golf and competed in golf leagues throughout the area. Playing golf was another interest that he carried all through his adult life.

Closing out his teen years, Ross was accepted to Principia Boarding School. He would spend his Junior and Senior years attending Principia, where he graduated in 1962. Principia is an educational institution historically affiliated with Christian Science. It is located on two campuses in the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area of the United States and is still active today. While at Principia, Ross would letter in Varsity Basketball as the team's lead shooting guard and participated in the equestrian art of horseback riding.

Upon graduating from high school, Ross began attending community college and was offered an internship at General Motors, Hamtramck, MI, in Tool and Die Machining. Shortly after, and like many young men his age during this time in history, his life was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the United States Army in 1965. Upon his induction day, Ross would be stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, from 1965 to 1966, where he would meet the love of his life, Linda (Wolff) Fryer, at Oklahoma College for Women (OCU) during a social event playing Bridge in the student union. In 1966, Ross received orders to report to An Khe and Pleiku, Vietnam, to provide Artillery Directional Fire Control service for the Vietnam campaign.

After bravely serving his country, in 1967, Ross returned to Oklahoma, met up with Linda, and returned to Detroit, MI after serving one year in Vietnam. The two married on December 18, 1967, in a minimal, intimate wedding service in Detroit, MI. They raised three wonderful children: Christopher, Carol, and Charlotte (Fryer) Barnett. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he took immense pleasure in watching it grow, including his cherished grandchildren, McKenzie, Brennon, Garrett, Emily, and Grace. Ross' role as a husband, father, and grandfather was characterized by his handy and resourceful nature, always there to fix a problem or lend a helping hand.

Ross also returned to General Motors, where he would continue to work for General Motors for the next 20 years until 1985. An intelligent man, Ross pursued an associate’s degree that furthered his career and personal growth. The last part of his career he worked for Webasto Sunroof and Johnson Controls which he retired from in 2009. He was known for his analytical approach to challenges at work or in his personal pursuits. Ross found joy in collecting Remington statues, each piece a testament to his love for art and history. His model railroading hobby was more than just a pastime; it was a canvas for his creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

Ross’s life can best be described as a never-ending or continuous list of projects, as this is what he truly loved. It was the project. The process of seeing something from conception to reality was his personal adrenaline rush. The result of the project was not what Ross was craving. It was more the journey of a project that he craved most. Ross touched every family member with one of his projects: installing a new kitchen or bathroom, adding an addition to his house, or building the mega model railroad in his basement. Sometimes Ross’ projects included pulling up stakes, moving across the country, and then back again. Ross had the gift to envision the engineering and process, just by closing his eyes and seeing it.

Ross will be remembered for his sharp wit, readiness to aid others, and deep-seated wisdom. Indeed, Ross's memory and the love he shared will forever remain a part of those who knew him.

Though he is no longer with us, Ross' legacy is one of unwavering love, steadfast faith, and an intellect that inspired all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His life was well-lived, full of purpose and brimming with the joy of everyday moments turned into cherished memories.

Ross Lauder Fryer III will be profoundly missed, yet his spirit will continue to live on through his family, work, and the countless lives he touched. He approached life with a sense of duty and a desire to contribute, which he did with grace and humility. As we bid farewell to Ross, we celebrate a life that exemplified the very best of what it means to be a caring family man, a respected professional, and a true friend.

Ross is survived by 3 children.

Christopher David Fryer, Queen Creek, Arizona

Carol Elizabeth Fryer, Roseville, Michigan

Charlotte Yvonne Barnett, husband, Steven Barnett, Clinton Twp., Michigan.

5 grandchildren.

Emily Alana McRae, Roseville, Michigan

Grace Leigh McRae, Clinton Twp., Michigan

McKenzie Autumn Fryer, Claremore, Oklahoma

Bennon Marshall Fryer, deceased

Garrett Lauder Fryer, Queen Creek, Arizona

Two Sisters.

Mary Jane Fryer, Slingerland, N.Y.

Martha Lear Johnson, Hudson, Ohio