INDIANAPOLIS
Wilbur Theodore (Ted) Dryer went home to be with the Lord on October 25, 2024.
He was born on July 16, 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Abram and Mabel Dryer. He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1942. After high school he enlisted in the Army and served in World War II as a Technical Sergeant in the artillery of the 104th Infantry Division, which was known as the “Timberwolves.”
Ted was unable to see certain colors, which he thought might disqualify him from military service. However, this turned out to be a great asset as this allowed him to spot camouflaged enemy artillery. Ted was part of the Timberwolves’ crossing of the Rhine River at the Battle of Remagen, which was one of the most consequential victories of the Allied forces.
After World War II, Ted used his GI Bill to enlist at Purdue University and he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked construction for many decades, first with the Harry D. Tousley Construction Company, where he eventually became one of the owners. Tousley Construction was a major contributor to many of the structures at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including an early version of the Pagoda and the Museum. Ted also helped lead projects such as building bridges over Interstate 465, constructing the Indianapolis Art Museum and the dam at Eagle Creek. Ted eventually retired from Tousley Construction but came out of retirement twice to be a consultant, first for Summit Construction and then for Davis Construction.
When he wasn’t working, Ted enjoyed being with his family and playing golf. However, one of the most central things in his life was bowling. After college, Ted returned to Indianapolis and upon his return went to a bowling alley to inquire about joining a summer league. The owner of the bowling alley said that her daughter needed a partner and Ted accepted. He soon learned that his new partner was Patricia Striebeck.
Pat was a renowned bowler throughout the country and would later be named to the Indianapolis Bowling Hall of Fame, the Indiana Bowling Hall of Fame, and the Women’s International Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. Pat and Ted were instantly attracted to each other, and they were married in December of 1952. That married lasted for almost 49 years until Pat’s death in early December of 2000.
Ted was also a volunteer for many years at Community Hospital South, where he assisted visitors to their destinations, and the camaraderie that was forged with the many friends he made over the years.
Ted is survived by his son Steve Dryer (Irina) and his daughter Tammy Kelley (Dean). He was
preceded in death by his brother Charles Dryer (Betty) and his wife Patricia Louise Dryer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the G.H. Hermann Madison Avenue Funeral Home at 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the funeral home.
Ted will be laid to rest in Floral Park Cemetery.
Please share memories, photographs and online condolences with the family at www.ghhermann.com.
