Ralph S. Frazier died on November 17, 2014 at home with his loving family. He was born September 2, 1928 in Gallipolis to John William Frazier and Madge 'Roush' Frazier. Ralph was the second of four brothers, the oldest Joe (Paula), and two younger brothers, Robert (Eleanor) and Dean Frazier. His parents and brother, Joe, preceded him in death.
Ralph attended Gallipolis City Schools and completed his post graduate education in Memphis, TN at the School of Diesel Engineering. Ralph was a life member of the BPOE Lodge 107, and the American Legion Post 27.
Ralph served his country proudly as a member of the 82nd Airborne and completed paratrooper training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was transferred to the Army of Occupation, and from 1946 to 1949, he served in the European Theater of Operation, first in Frankfort, Germany, and then in Trieste, Italy. Following his honorable discharge, he completed his education to become a diesel engineer, and earned a Chief Engineer license from the United States Coast Guard. He served as a chief engineer on towboats that traveled the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. During his career, he worked on boats for a variety of companies that included AEP, Dravo, Downey Towing, and Wisconsin Barge. He thoroughly enjoyed keeping these engines in excellent condition, and his work ethic was unparalleled.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Evelyn' Gillogly' Frazier; three children and spouses, daughter, Dr. Susan K. Frazier of Gallipolis; son Daniel and Cheryl 'Nichols' Frazier of Bidwell, and son David and Elizabeth 'McGhee' Frazier of Gallipolis; four grandchildren, Brynna Frazier and fiancée Jamie Cook Bidwell, Chad and Sarah 'Stanley' Frazier, Jacob and his wife Laura 'Harrison' Frazier Gallipolis, and Thomas Frazier of Clearwater Beach, Florida. He is also survived by five great grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Aubree, Kaden, and Owen Frazier from Gallipolis, Emmaleigh Cook and Gracyn Null from Bidwell.
Ralph was well known for his good humor, kindness, tireless work ethic, and his ability to rehabilitate and fix nearly anything. His fruit and garden harvests were a source of family pride every summer, and he provided fresh fruit and vegetables to family and friends regularly each year. He was loved by all children, as he met them on their level, "spoke in their language", and had as much fun as they did.
There will be a memorial service at 1PM Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Waugh Halley Wood Funeral Home in Gallipolis. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 19, 2014 from 3 to 6 PM at the funeral home. Pall bearers will be his sons, and his four grandchildren. Entombment in the Chapel of Hope Mausoleum at the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any charity.
An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com