Ernest (Ernie) Wilburn Frazier

Ernest “Ernie” Wilburn Frazier

Ernest “Ernie” Wilburn Frazier, 87, passed away from his journey through Alzheimer’s on October 3, 2017 at Heidi’s Chateau in Montrose, Colorado.
Ernie was born in Naylor, Missouri on March 26, 1930 to John and Etha Jane Frazier. Ernie moved to Montrose, CO in his late teens with his sister and her husband, Goldie and Russell Johnson. He completed school there and graduated from Montrose High School in 1949.
Ernie worked for Woolworth to put himself through school, and upon graduating transferred with the company to Rapid City, South Dakota. He married his high school sweetheart, Felecia Jo Meyer, September 14, 1951 in Montrose – they made their first home in Rapid City where, in addition to working for Woolworth’s, he was active in the National Guard. Ernie joined the Army for active service from 1953 to 1956, where he and his family were based at Ft Sheridan in Illinois. After active service, Ernie returned to work for Woolworth in Topeka, Kansas.
In 1959, Ernie and Felecia returned to Montrose, CO where he worked for JC Penney’s and then for City Market. In 1961 he started with the US Post Office where he enjoyed a 29 year career as a mail carrier. Ernie had the downtown route, including Main Street, which he walked every day with his push cart full of mail. He served as the union rep for the mail carriers in Montrose.
Ernie and Felecia raised 6 children – Connie, Ernie, Vicki, Joanne, Joe and Brenda.
The family enjoyed many camping trips at Big Cimarron with lots of roasted marshmallows and stories around the camp fire. There were also annual road trips to visit relatives – with a car full of kids, a Road Runner camp trailer and stays in the KOA & Good Sam’s Campgrounds.
Ernie always served in either the National Guard, Army, or Army Reserve. He officially retired from the military in 1990 with 34 years of service.
Ernie was active in the Jaycee’s, Little Britches Rodeo, Rod & Gun Club, and the Elks – serving as Exalted Ruler twice. Ernie and Felecia both very much enjoyed the Elks lodge with the dances and their many friends – and attending Elks Conventions. Ernie appreciated and supported the charitable activities of his Elks lodge.
In his retirement years Ernie enjoyed fishing with other retired buddies – and a part-time job of driving vehicles for Budget Rental Cars. He and Felecia were members of the United Methodist Church where he helped with Bible School several times. He enjoyed working in his shop (and smoking his pipe!) – always having a project and one of his faithful Chihuahua dogs at his side.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Felecia Jo; son, Ernest Frazier, Jr. in Thermal, CA; and daughter’s Connie (Larry) Dopson in Beaumont, TX, Joanne Brooks in Grand Junction, CO, and Vicki Jones (Aaron Jokisch) and Brenda Owens (Robert) in Montrose; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren – and Bo & Bambi (his last 2 beloved Chihuahuas).
Ernie was preceded in death by son, Joseph Steven Frazier, and sisters and brothers-in-law Nellie Frazier, Goldie (Russell) Johnson and Violet (Otis) DeLong.
A memorial service for Ernie will be held Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest, Montrose, CO 81401, with a light luncheon to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Montrose Elks Lodge, in Memory of Ernie Frazier, 801 S. Hillcrest, Montrose, CO 81401. Arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St, Montrose, CO 81401.