Marrion Monroe "Skipper" Cryer, Jr.'s Obituary
Marrion Monroe "Skipper" Cryer, Jr., passed away peacefully in his home on March 24, 2022 surrounded by family and friends. Skipper was born June 14, 1936 in Bossier City, LA and grew up in DeRidder, LA where he also happily retired and spent the remainder of his life.
As a young man, he met the love of his life, Judith Branch, whose eye was initially caught by his red Studebaker, but eventually she fell for Skipper's calm, kind, and loving demeanor. They married on June 3, 1957, and would welcome two children in the coming years.
Skipper received his B.S. in Geological Studies from SLI (ULL) and his M.S. in Geological Studies from LSU. Early in his career, he worked in the oil field industry and was a math and science teacher at Longville School. His lifelong career began when he became a lab engineer for the LA DOTD, a position he would hold for 37 years.
After retirement, Skipper worked as a genealogist at Fort Polk with the Heritage Family Program, researching the history of the families there. Genealogy was a fervent passion of his and became a hobby, as well. Anyone who knew him knew that he also loved to be outdoors, whether it be planting things (he said he wanted to be known as the modern-day Johnny Appleseed), riding his tractor, working his land, camping, hiking, or fishing - especially in the Rockies with his son and grandson. He was also an accomplished carpenter and builder.
Skipper was a long-time member of Oak Park United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees and taught Sunday School. He also enjoyed coaching his son's Little League Baseball teams.
Skipper leaves behind a legacy of a strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty. He never passed up the opportunity to help someone in need, and was ever-present in the lives of his children and grandchildren, teaching them all he could along the way. He was strong and silent, until the perfect moment came for an opportunity to share his wisdom, and when he did, he held a captive audience. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by many.
Skipper is preceded in death by his loving parents, Marrion Monroe Cryer, Sr. and Lydia McInnis Cryer, and his sister, Maxine Cryer Rumsey, all of DeRidder. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Judith Branch Cryer, son, Craig Cryer (Patricia) of Houston, TX, daughter, Alison Cryer Morris of Sulphur, LA, grandchildren, Lauren Morris Pruitt (Jordan) of Lake Charles, LA, Trace Cryer (Paige) of Houston, TX, Samantha Morris Walsh (Caleb) of Sulphur, LA, Caitlin Cryer of Houston, TX, and great-grandchildren, Adaline Grace Walsh and Olivia Louise Cryer.
Pallbearers are Craig Cryer, Trace Cryer, Randy Branch, Caleb Walsh, Jordan Pruitt, and Tony Burlingame.
Honorary pallbearers are Wayne Warren and Jimmy Earl Cooley.
The Cryer family would like to extend a special thanks to all who cared for Skipper during this time: Holley and Anna with Heart of Hospice, Trisha, Jackie, Donna C., Donna P., Sharon, Angela, Liz, Laicy, Brandy, and Christina with Companion Care, our dear cousin Vicky Bass, also with Companion Care, and our angel, Inez, who helped bring him home.
The funeral will be held Monday, March 28 at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder. Visitation is 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by the funeral. Gravesite service immediately following at Lewis Cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home.
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