Bernard H. Wrye, Msgt Usaf (Ret)

Bernard (Bernie) Howard Wrye went to be with his Lord and Savior on 28 January 2024. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ who loved his wife Chiyo and family dearly. Bernie and Chiyo Wrye were married for 61 wonderful years. Bernie was born in Dover, New Hampshire to parents Joseph Wrye and Bernadette (Abbott) Wrye. His parents and younger brother Victor Wrye have preceded him in death. Bernie is survived by his wife Chiyo, three children and spouses - Kiyoko Henderson (John), Deka Brokke (Scott), Donald Wrye (Raquel), 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Bernie's family relocated from North Berwick, Maine to Long Beach, CA when he was in grade school. In 1958, he graduated from David Starr Jordan High School, Long Beach CA where he excelled in swimming and water polo. In July of 1959, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving 6 duty locations with one in Vietnam and retiring after 23 years of service. He met his beautiful wife Chiyo during his first tour to Okinawa where they fell in love and married on Valentine's Day in 1962. They had many wonderful memories with family and friends but more importantly was Bernie's love of spreading the gospel to the Okinawan people. During his last active duty overseas tour to Okinawa, he was fervently involved in mission work with Central Baptist Church, Tomigusuku Baptist Church, and the Okinawa Baptist Convention (OBC). After military retirement in San Antonio, TX, he was called to serve back on Okinawa at Okinawa Christian School for 2 years and eventually entrusted the care & management of OBCs Hokuzanso Campground in Nakijin for an additional 12 years. Bernie also helped with the start-up of Tsukasan Baptist Mission which was under Shuri Baptist Church. Bernie was truly a brother to his Yoron family and Okinawan friends. After returning to the States with his residence in the Omaha, NE area, Bernie continued his work with the church by operating the First Baptist Church Back Door Boutique clothing pantry for 14 years, sponsoring and mentoring lost boys from Sudan, and also doing mission work with the start-up of Springfield Baptist Church. He's a current member of the Harrison Street Baptist Church, La Vista NE. His most enjoyable and memorable hobby was gardening with Chiyo. Neighbors, friends, and others would always comment about how beautiful his yard was maintained. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Harrison Street Baptist Church for building and property maintenance.