Rev. Paul Frazier
Hardin |
The Reverend Paul D. Frazier, 70, a simple country preacher in Hardin, IL, died suddenly on October 23, 2024, of heart failure. He was surrounded by his family. Paul was born on October 31, 1953, in Meriden, CT. Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.
After a family move to Houston, TX, Paul met lifelong friend Bob Webb and graduated from Westbury High School (Houston) in 1972. While attending University of St. Thomas in Houston, he met the love of his life, Joan Rebman, whose parents sent her there to find a nice Catholic boy. He graduated with a B.A. in History in 1976, and later earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO in 1987. At Eden, he studied with Jeff Bates, a dedicated friend and colleague. Paul also worked at various B. Dalton Booksellers in the St. Louis area, where he met close friend David Knisley.
Called to ministry at the First Presbyterian Church of Hardin (originally a call to the yoked parishes of Kampsville and Hardin) in 1988, he spent the next 36 years serving his congregation and community. As a beloved member of Calhoun County, he could often be found drinking Diet Pepsi (no ice) while reading in local restaurants, where he espoused his belief in overtipping waitresses and arguing a waitress should make as much as a doctor. The community benefited from his tireless work during the Old Settlers Days, Trunk or Treat, Stuff Your Stocking, and he could always be seen flipping burgers by the hundreds at the Calhoun County Fair booth sponsored by The Lions Club.
He is preceded in death by parents, David Frazier and Constance Mansfield, and daughter Rachel Frazier. He is survived by his wife, Joan "Buffy" Frazier, woman of beauty and mystery, daughters Liz Weaver of Edwardsville, IL and Sarah Frazier of St. Louis, MO, sons David Taylor Frazier of Baton Rouge, LA and Travis Frazier of St. Louis, MO, son-in-law Bryan Weaver of Edwardsville, IL, daughter-in-law Marcie Denton Frazier of Baton Rouge, LA, grandsons Edward and Abraham Frazier of Baton Rouge, LA and Sam Weaver of Edwardsville, IL, brother Jim Frazier of Dallas, TX, sisters Beth (Jeff) Truman of Arvada, CO and Pam (Don) Whitman of Meeker, OK, step-sister Kim (Geoff) Woods of Jacksonville, FL, step-parents Don and Celeste Mansfield of Orange Park, FL, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A worship service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the Life of The Reverend Paul D. Frazier, Pastor, Minister, and Teaching Elder will be held Saturday, November 16, at 12:30 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Hardin, followed immediately by the interment of ashes at the Hardin Cemetery. The family requests that all family and friends then return to the church fellowship hall for a catered open house.
Donations can be made in his name to the church, Calhoun County Ambulance Service, American Cancer Society, and American SIDS Institute.
To honor his life, Paul would ask that you read The Lord of the Rings, A Wrinkle in Time, and anything by John Irving or Kurt Vonnegut. In lieu of those, he might suggest you read your Bible. May his memory be a blessing.
Online condolences can be given at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
