TACAMO Fallen - Charles Edward Fry, Industry Partner Collins Radio/Rockwell

July 30, 1941 - March 18, 2026

Charles Edward Fry, 84, of Mineola, TX passed away on March 18, 2026. Chuck, as he was

called in his early years, was born on July 30, 1941, in Kansas City, KS to Charles Sr. and Nellie Fry. Chuck and his brothers, Dewey & Bill, grew up working on their parent’s truck farm that not only produced vegetables for market, but also provided popcorn for all the local theaters. Chuck graduated from the University of Kansas, home of the Jayhawks, with a Bachelor of ScienceDegree in Mechanical Engineering in 1964 and worked at Westinghouse Electric as his first engineering job.

Charlie, as he would be called in his adult years, landed in Richardson, TX in 1967, where he

began a 30+ year career for Collins Radio/Rockwell International in the defense industry. He was

part of the design team that developed the technology behind the TACAMO submarine

communication system still in place today. During his career he traveled the world, including Iran

where he worked directly with the Shah of Iran in the 1970’s. It was during his career at Collins

Radio, that he met and married the love of his life, Linda McElvany, blending two families with 5

children together. Linda and Charlie celebrated 43 years of love together, traveling for over 30

years to Puerto Vallarta for their anniversary every June.

Charlie and Linda lived in California, Florida and Texas during their time together, retiring finally in

Mineola, TX. Returning to his roots, Charlie planted and maintained a 1-acre garden for the

majority of the 25 years he lived in Mineola. He shared many jars of jams and jellies with the local

community and became known for his lime garlic pickles around town.

Best known around Mineola for his volunteer efforts, Charlie was recognized as Humanitarian of

the Year by the Pilot Club in 2009. Combining his engineering skills with his heart for helping

others, Charlie helped organizations such as The Bread of Life Ministries, Kindness Kottage,

Caring & Sharing, Men’s Ministerial Alliance, and Texas Ramp Project. Charlie was long time

member of the First Christian Church of Mineola where he served as Elder, Deacon and several

other committees over the years.

Charlie’s health had limited his ability to do much of what he loved in recent years, and while he

will be missed greatly, his family is so thankful that he is now healed and whole and home. They

are also very thankful for the tremendous care received by the Hospice team at Christus Trinity

Mother Frances in Tyler.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Linda Fry, brothers Bill (wife Sandy) Fry from Shawnee Mission,

KS and Dewey (wife Pat) Fry from Stilwell, KS; daughters Diana Bonneau (husband Randy) from

McKinney, TX, Kristine Fry from Sunnyvale, CA, Melissa Williamson from Tyler, TX and sons Bill

Fry (wife Candi) from Quitman, TX and Chris Howell (wife Katy) from Lakewood, CO. Charlie and

Linda have 12 grandchildren, Lauren, Jordan, Dylan, Mischel, Michael, Mitchell, Spencer, Seth,

Sam, Sydney, Garrett and Grayston.