Phillip Fry

It is with tender hearts that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved Phillip Edward Fry (81) of Artesia, New Mexico. He lived his life filled with love for his family as a Son, Brother, Husband, Father, and Grandfather. It is so hard to think about our lives without his beautiful baby blue eyes, quick smile, tender care, and funny wit. We love him so much! 

Phil was born in Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma to Victor Glen Fry and Mildred Lucille Fry on January 16, 1942, 

Vic and Mildred moved their family to Carlsbad and Artesia in the early 1950’s. Phil graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1960, then joined the Army. He volunteered to switch to the Air Force soon after, serving his country in Europe until 1965.  

He married the love of his life, Lynette Maureen Jones December 11, 1965, and joined the Carlsbad Police Department, beginning a long career of 42 years in Law Enforcement (Carlsbad PD, Artesia PD, The Eddy County Sheriff’s Dept and FLETC). He and Lynette moved to Artesia with the police department in 1972, where he worked his way up through the ranks from Patrolman to Police Chief. He was so proud to serve his community as a police officer. His uniform was always in pristine condition, shoes shined, uniform perfectly pressed, and hair trimmed. Carelessness for the uniform, in his mind, meant carelessness in upholding the law. 

He and Lynette raised their family in Artesia and loved being a part of that community. 

Lynette passed from this life on October 19, 2005. Phil stayed single until he reconnected with his high school prom date, Elizabeth McVay, and they fell in love. They were married in April of 2018. Sadly, Liz fell ill and passed away October 19, 2020.

Phillip Fry was predeceased by his Parents, Victor and Mildred Fry, two sisters, Glenna Sue Thorp and Cassandra Nell Hood. He is survived by brothers James (Jimmy) Fry, wife Patty, and Richard Earl Fry, wife Brenda, his three children, Heather Jo Sanford, husband J Franklin, Leslie Marie Butts, and Phillip Tell (Tell) Fry, four Grandchildren, Hadley Alvarez, Morgan Kimble, Ashton Butts, Brayden Butts, and two Great grandchildren, Aria Kimble and Vincent Groh. 

A Memorial Service will be held on September 30, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Terpening and Son Chapel, located at 611 W. Grand Ave. Artesia, NM followed by interment at the Veterans Cemetery on Boyd Drive, Carlsbad, NM. 

We ask all family and friends to please attend and share your fond memories of Phillip to celebrate his life and memory. 

Our family greatly appreciates the love, kindness, and support from dear friends and family and request that in lieu of flowers; we ask that you please make a donation in Phillip’s name to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.