Clarence Edward Frazer

CLARENCE EDWARD FRAZER

Cedar Rapids

Clarence Edward Frazer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Aug. 16, 2021, at The Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy after a short illness.

Clarence was born on Oct. 5, 1934, in Monroe City, Mo., to Efton Leech and Iris Mae (Salmon) Frazer. His family moved around during his youth, living in Missouri, Florida and Texas.

Clarence joined the U.S. Navy in October 1951 during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. His most significant duty assignment was on the Epperson (DDE-719), serving in the position of sonar man. In 1954, he participated in Operation Castle at the Enewetak and Bikini Atolls.

On June 7, 1954, Clarence and Lela Mae (Farrell) were married in Hawaii. A year later, their first child was born. Clarence decided that Navy life did not work with a young family, so he left the service in September 1955 and returned to the Midwest.

After working at several companies in Illinois, Clarence took a job at then Collins Radio Co. on Oct. 5, 1959. Clarence enjoyed his work and greatly respected the founder, Art Collins. To aid in his understanding of avionics, Clarence earned his private pilot license. Several company name changes later, Clarence retired from Rockwell International June 30, 1990 – he has now been retired longer than he worked there!

Clarence enjoyed reading, investing, square dancing and country dancing. He ran into a former co-worker, Maryann, at the Country Club in September 1994, and on Feb. 29, 2004, they married.

Clarence was a 20-year member of the Cedar Rapids Metro Pilot Club, part of the Midwest District of Pilot International. He enjoyed the "friendship and service" of the organization. He and Maryann attended annual meetings, thereby renewing friendships worldwide.

Clarence is survived by Maryann, his companion and spouse of 27 years; his children, Gary Wayne Frazer, Susan Beth (Donald) Prosser, Sandra Kay Frazer, Douglas Edward (Kim) Frazer and Jeffrey Alan Frazer; his grandchildren, Linda Anne (Robert) Compere, Melissa Joy (Jason) Stoner, Jennifer (Patrick) Supan, Laura Cameron, Brian (Misty) Prosser, Angela (Justin) Lancour, Samuel Frazer, Kyle (Kimberly) Frazer, Cody (Leah) Frazer and Chelsea Frazer; his 25 great-grandchildren; his three great-great-grandsons; and his sister, Neva (Richard) Carlson.

Clarence was preceded in death by his son, David Marion Frazer; grandson, Eric M. Frazer; daughter-in-law, Diana Lee Frazer; parents; younger brothers, Willard Frazer and Jim Frazer; and his wife, Lela Mae Frazer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at the Cedar Memorial Park Family Center & Library from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please leave a message for the family on our web page, www.cedarmemorial.com, under obituaries.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to The Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy or The Pilot International Goal for Grants and Scholarships.