John Fraser

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, John Fraser, loving husband, father of two children, and five grandchildren passed away at the age of 79.

On February 6, 1942, John was born in Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada. He grew up with his mother, Adeodatte Mailloux, and brother Claude until he was 18 years old when he emigrated to the USA. He became a citizen of the USA in the year of 1976.

He entered the US Army in 1960 and retired honorable as Master Sergeant after 20 years of service. Following retirement he worked 18 years for the Civil Service with the Army at Ft. Hood, in Germany, and in Nashville at the Corps of Engineers. Aside from serving at Ft. Benning, Ft Bliss, and Ft Hood, his service took him to Korea, served in combat during the Vietnam war, and was stationed in Germany. He was decorated with six medals: The National Defense Service Medal: Good conduct Medal Clasp, Silver, 1 Loop;  Bronze Star Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Star; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm.

When John’s commander ordered his private chauffeur to take him in the commander’s limousine to Frankfurt Airport on the day before his retirement, John realized he earned respect and dignity for a job well done!

When John is mentioned, people usually start with a big smile and say, "he is something else." He had a passion for unblemished truth and liked lively discussions on just about anything, especially politics, voicing his opinions uninhibitedly. He was an intellectual, thinker, problem solver, and researcher. He used all the resources available to him. There had been no problem that he could not solve, or a statement said that was not supported by facts.

John had been the family's protector, supporting, caring, and teaching. He gave each of us room to grow, guiding us and was always there with exactly what we needed, from knowledge to skills. His humor lit up the room, and his love for making wine or beer brought us all together to enjoy and share with friends.

His love for science, technology, mechanics, design and construction had led the family on many fun adventures. He had big dreams, spending years talking about building a house from the foundation to the roof and everything in between, including the plumbing and electrical system. That dream came true. He designed and built a vacation home that started out with one-bedroom. Before completion it grew a kitchen, living room, and an additional bedroom in the attic with a second bathroom and became home for eight years in Palestine, Texas. In general, he was happiest when creating with his hands. When stationed in Germany from 1977-81, his first of many big dreams came true when he converted an old Aafees bread truck into a travel camper. This camper took his family all over Europe and memories to this day about the adventurous travels come to life sitting around family gatherings. He loved to travel, by car or air, or on a cruise across the oceans. He had spent many hours planning out the next adventure.

John was preceded in death by his adoptive father, William Fraser, and his mother, Adeodatte Mailloux. He is survived by his wife Renate, his two children Carol and Marc, his daughter-in-law Tammy, his five grandchildren Brice, Emma, Andrew, Austin, and Alec, his brother Claude, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home on 506 N 38th St, Killeen, TX 76543. Service gathering from 11:00 - 11:30 a.m., Chapel service 11:30-12:00 p.m., and Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery service at 1:00 p.m.