On February 3, 2024, Forrest Eugene “Gene” Dryer a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away at Woodcrest Nursing Home in Decatur, IN. Gene was 94 years old. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Dorothy (Uleman) Dryer. He is survived by four children: Patricia Pedone (Kokomo, IN), Jennifer Lyons (Tucson, AZ), Richard Dryer (Dickinson, TX), and David Dryer (Eldorado Hills, CA), 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Gene was born on September 30, 1929, in Heyworth, Illinois, to Forrest and Verna Dryer. He graduated from Heyworth High School in May of 1948. He then pursued a degree in Agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois Champaign Campus. After receiving his engineering degree, Gene attended officer’s candidate school at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. Immediately upon completing OCS, Gene was assigned to occupation duties in Eastern France. He was part of a leadership team responsible for operational up time for a squadron of P51 aircraft. After two years in occupied Europe, he was discharged from the Air Force. He was then hired by Central Soya in Gibson City, Illinois. A few years later, he was transferred to Decatur, IN, where he met his future wife, Dorothy Uleman.
Gene worked for 30 years at Central Soya as an engineer, and engineering manager. During that time, he and Dorothy raised 4 children. The children all attended St Joseph’s grade school, Bellmont High School, and then Purdue University. Gene traveled extensively while working with Central Soya. He retired from his job in 1985.
In 1987, he and Dorothy purchased land at the intersection of Monroe Street Extended and Piqua Road. Within a year he had started construction on his retirement hobby, Lakeshores Subdivision. From 1987 until 2021, Gene actively worked on the subdivision in the warm spring, summer and fall months. Each winter he and Dorothy escaped the cold weather to the Lawrence Welk Resort Village, near Hidden Meadows, in Southern California.
Gene will be remembered by all who knew him, as a hardworking, honest, & caring individual. He always did his best to make whatever, or whoever he worked with better. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Dorothy. The inurnment will take place in Decatur at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, immediately after a Memorial Funeral Mass to be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church on May 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Joseph Catholic School in Decatur, Indiana.
