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'He did so, so much': Friends, community remember Springville man found in Monroe Lake

"I can't tell you how badly he will be missed."
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Posted at 6:24 PM, Jun 17, 2022
and last updated 2022-06-19 12:08:21-04

BLOOMINGTON — The Springville man that went missing in Monroe Lake Thursday night has been found, according to Indiana Conservation Officers.

The body of Dwight Fry, 64, was located in 30 feet of water using sonars and divers near the area where he was last seen.

Fry had jumped into the water in an attempt to save his wife who was struggling in the water, according to DNR.

Pantry 279 in Ellettsville tells WRTV Fry, also known as "Barney," has volunteered with them since 2017.

"He was the first one to show up and volunteer. At first, he would help us get ready to open by lifting the heavy stuff and stocking shelves. Then once it was starting time, he would be the guy at the door letting people in when it was their turn," the group shared. "He was kind and would chat with the guests while they waited, help carry their food to cars if needed [or] really whatever we needed."

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A signs honors Dwight "Barney" Fry.

As one of two people with the organization that had a CDL license, Fry was also able to help by driving a 24 foot box truck up to three times each week.

"Thinking about it, he did so, so much — but the most important was he was always there with a big silly grin, a joke, a hug [and] words of confidence. He was a big part of our Pantry family," the organization said. "Pantry is not a job or something we do; it's a lifestyle. Barney believed this and lived it with all of us. I can't tell you how badly he will be missed."

Lesamarie Hacker knew Fry as a "beyond energetic," charismatic, funny and hardworking person. The two were friends for a decade.

"He literally woke up and laid his head down at night to serve. That entire time he's awake, he was serving someone. It was not just people he knew; it was strangers every single day at Pantry 279 in Ellettsville, at his church, friends, anyone."

Hacker said Fry adored and loved his wife and would save a life to help someone else.

Unchained Gang, a motorcycle ministry Fry was part of, drove to Terre Haute to escort his body to the funeral home.

The exact cause of death has not been released by the coroner's office.