John David Dryer, Dvm

John David Dryer, 46, of Claysville, died Monday, December 19, 2011, as a result of a gunshot wound suffered in the line of duty.He was born February 5, 1965, in Washington, a son of John Myles and JoAnn Crain Dryer of Avella. He grew up on a farm in Avella. In his father’s absence due to traveling, he completely ran the farm as a young teenager.Dr. Dryer graduated from Avella High School in 1983 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Science Degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Dryer had worked as an equine veterinarian throughout North America for the Heinz Hitch. He also owned and operated Chestnut Veterinary Clinic in Washington for the past 10 years and was a State Game Commission enforcement officer. In addition to being a veterinarian, Dr. Dryer worked for the past two years as an East Washington Borough police officer. Prior to his employment with the borough, he was a police officer for Donegal Township and Midway. He was certified in K-9 training and tracking with bloodhounds. Dr. Dryer was a long-time member of West Middletown Volunteer Fire Department where he held many certifications including smoke diver, EMT and advanced car extraction. He was a member of Grove United Presbyterian Church.Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a son, Benjamin David Dryer of Claysville; a brother, Donald Dean (Missy) Dryer of Claysville; and a sister, Elizabeth (Rabo) Nijenhuis of Bulger.Friends will be received 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, December 23rd, in Immaculate Conception Church, with Rev. Jack Emerick officiating. Burial will follow in West Middletown Cemetery. All those wishing to attend the funeral should go directly to the church on Friday. FOP services will be held Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Donations may be made to John David Dryer Memorial Fund, Community Bank, 65 West Chestnut Street, Washington, PA 15301.