Forrest D. 'Forry' Dryden of Oelrichs, SD, passed away on December 19, 2009, at the Chadron Community Hospital in Chadron, NE, surrounded by family at the age of 88.

He was born on January 1, 1921, one mile from Oelrichs to Ralph and Alta (Milligan) Dryden. He graduated from Oelrichs High School in 1939. Forry loved to play basketball, football and baseball. He often mentioned he would run home two miles to the country after school to do chores, then run back to practice sports.

In 1942, he married Nadine Turnbull of Ardmore, SD. In September of that year, he joined the Army-Air Force where he was an air plane mechanic. He attained the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
Forry farmed and ranched in the Oelrichs area from the time he was a small boy until he was forced to retire in his eighties because of poor eyesight. He worked hard daily but his priorities were his family, friends, and neighbors. He especially loved the baby animals and little children. Forry easily made friends wherever he went.
Forry was very community minded. He served on the Oelrichs school board for over 20 years and later on the county school board. He was a life member of the American Legion, Chadron Elks Club and a Farm Bureau member. Forry was a director on the Federal Land Bank for 15 years and county committeeman for the federal ASCS. He was an original member of the Oelrichs Rodeo Association and a member of the Oelrichs Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Nadine; his children Forrest (Karen) of Chandler, AZ; Sandy (Larry) Martinson of Harrison, NE; Butch Dryden of Oelrichs; Jan (Jim) Martinson of Hill City, SD; his brother Ted (Leona) Dryden of Oelrichs, and grandchildren Michael Martinson; Katrina Smith; Shawn Dryden: Ty Dryden; Grant Dryden; seven great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Willard and Lowell and granddaughter, Cori Martinson.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD, with Pastor Ed Coates officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers include all family and friends.The family suggests a memorial to the Oelrichs Rodeo Association or to a memorial of the giver's choice.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapel.com.