John Frazier

John Edward Frazier passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 92. John was at his home when he died, which was extremely important to him. Prior to breaking his hip on July 31, 2024, John was fortunate to live independently at home, and he continued to drive and maintain his property until his fall.

John was born in Hollywood Arkansas on November 26, 1931, to the late Christine and John B. Frazier. John considered Clark County to be “home,” and he spent 63 of his 92 years living in Clark County. John graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1949, and on September 23, 1950, he married Molly Sue Francis. Sue passed away on October 31, 2013, shortly after she and John celebrated their 63d wedding anniversary.

John’s decision to join the Air Force would change his life and the life of his family going forward. In 1952, John was assigned to the K-18 air base in what was then known as Kangnung, Korea where he served during the last year of the Korean War. K-18 is now home to the 18th fighter wing of the Republic of Korea Air Force, in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea.

While assigned to the K-18 air base John served as an air traffic controller – an assignment that would chart his path for the remainder of his career. John received an honorable discharge from the military on March 30, 1956.

After his discharge from the Air Force John began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration on April 12, 1956, and he worked as a controller at the Memphis Regional Center for 24 years until his retirement on April 12, 1980.

John was an active resident of the Caddo Valley community, serving as a Council Member for the city. He also was a long-time active member of the Caddo Valley Baptist Church. Many residents of Clark County benefited from John’s “paying it forward” attitude as he drove friends who were limited in their ability to drive to church, doctor appointments or even a trip to the grocery store.

John is survived by his two sons, Kevin Frazier (Denise) of Springdale, Arkansas and Keith Frazier (Tracy) of Nashville, Tennessee. John has five grandchildren, Laura Shansky (Matt), Amanda Song (Roger), Maureen Bolton (Kevin), Brennan Jacobs (John) and Kevin Patrick Frazier (Leslie). John also has four great-grandchildren, Micah Shansky, Mazie Grace Shansky, Payton Song and Palmer Song.

The family would like to thank John’s neighbors Betty and Sonny Agar and their extended family for the kindness they showed him over the years. John particularly enjoyed visits from Betty and Sonny’s granddaughter. The Agars would check on John and they invited him to share many meals at their home. The family would also like to thank Angelia Taylor as well as the nurses who cared for John during his time in hospice. They made the difference in allowing John to stay at home during his final days.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Caddo Valley Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Doug White officiating..

No visitation is planned.

Memorials may be made to Caddo Valley Cemetery Fund, c/o Joe Burton, 129 Heflin Rd, Caddo Valley, AR 71923.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.