William L.R. (Bill) Fry of Monmouth, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, 1:50 AM at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth. Bill was born June 5, 1953, in Galesburg. He was the son of Robert L. and Wilma “Nellie” (Huffman) Fry. He married LuAnn Bruch on June 3, 1972, at Immanuel Baptist Church, Monmouth. Together, they celebrated 51 years of marriage.
Bill graduated from Monmouth High School in 1971. Bill purchased his first guitar in 1963 with money from his paper route. He played in bands and groups for many years. Some of the bands he played in were Inside Out; Bill, Bill and Bob, and the Lee Ruey Band. Bill also worked as a car salesman with Russ Motor Sales, Woods-Harrison Ford, and Dee Harrison Ford. In 1978 Bill and LuAnn opened “Down Home” and later changed the name to “Center Stage” a live music nightclub in Monmouth. He managed multiple music groups through his Tour Coordinations Company including Monterey, Faustus, Media, and Puppet. He also built a recording studio, The Music Factory, and recorded many talented musicians. Bill also developed an audio and lighting installation company, Center Stage of Monmouth, Inc. and he installed systems in venues across the Midwest.
Bill was a Harding School Cub Scout Troop Leader in the 1980s. He coached T-ball and built the girls’ softball program at the Warren County YMCA encouraging his daughter, Jenny’s, love for the game. Bill’s favorite claim to fame was wrestling a black bear at the Sandburg Mall. He loved to joke around but had a very determined and hard-headed personality. He loved hard and played hard. He loved his animals, and his music; but most importantly he loved his family.
Bill is survived by the love of his life, LuAnn; daughters, Gena (Josh) Hasten of Monmouth and Jenny Fry of Galesburg; grandchildren, Jaylee, Jacey, and Jake Hasten; brother, Chuck (Ann) Fry of Monmouth; brother-in-law, Bob Hardesty (of Monmouth); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held at The Warren County Farm Bureau Building (1000 North Main Street, Monmouth) on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM There will be no funeral services. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory have been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and Western Illinois Animal Rescue in Monmouth.
