Eric Alan Cryer

SFC (R) Eric Alan Cryer, died September 29th, 2024 In Norman, OK. He was born March 6, 1965 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, first child of David Cryer and Rebecca Schoemann Cryer. He was the older brother to Aimie and Andrew.

He attended schools in Dallas, TX, Memphis, TN, Wanette, OK and Norman, OK, graduating from Norman High in 1983.

Eric entered the U.S. Army in 1984 as an Army Bandsman, serving one tour of duty with the U.S. 6th Army at the Presidio in California.

He returned to Norman in 1988 and entered OU to study music education, while also working part-time for Firestone, and serving in the U.S. Army reserves. There he met another music major, Melissa Tuttle. They married in 1995 in Dallas, TX and welcomed their son Nathan in 2001.

Eric re-entered the Army in February 1999, serving first with the 101st Airborne (AASLT) Band, then the 3rd Infantry Division Band, the 82nd Airborne Division Band and the 1st Cavalry Division Band. He deployed three times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star in 2010 and retired in 2018 as a Sergeant First Class.

He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2016 and worked as an elementary music teacher for Oklahoma City Public Schools for 2 years.

Eric was an outgoing and social person who loved a good joke. He loved OU Football and Softball, history, jazz, classic rock, ham radios and car shows. He was a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Rebecca Cryer. He is survived by his spouse, Melissa, of the home, his son Nathan (Natalie) of Norman, OK; his sister Aimie (Jason) Black and their children Ella and Ethan of Austin, TX; and his brother Andrew (Julianna) and their children Kane and Kenai of Pensacola, FL; along with a host of extended family and friends.

The Celebration of Life service will take place Monday, October 7th at Primrose Funeral Home, 1109 N. Porter Ave, Norman, OK. Internment will take place at Fort Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd, Elgin, OK that same day at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to military or education charities of your choice.