Merle Frasier

Merle O. Frasier, rancher and cowboy of Benkelman, Neb., peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Lemay Avenue Health and Rehabilitation Fort Collins, at the age of 87 years. Merle was born July 21, 1920, to Claude and Alma Frasier, and lived with his parents and five siblings on the Frasier Ranch. On April 7, 1939, he married Alice Beth Sims, Wauneta, Neb. The young couple began ranching on his Grandparents Frasier's ranch homesteaded in 1885. To this marriage were born three daughters, Merlue Bethe, Dianne Claudette, and Jacqueline Lynn. Merle bred and raised good quarter horses that excelled in performance and racing, and produced many top rope, barrel, ranch and race horses. He often raised hundreds of southern cattle from Texas, Arizona and Mexico. He rodeoed professionally as a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Associatioon, competing in calf roping. He was #906 and was proud of being a Gold Card holder of the Association. Survivors include his daughters, Merlue Davies and her husband, Dennis of Fort Collins, Dianne Anderson of Drumright, Okla., and Jacqueline Herrick and her husband, Roger of Stapleton, Neb., and sister, Virginia Dixon, Benkelman, Neb. Also five grandchildren, Galen Anderson and Glenna Villarreal, Tyler and Jason Herrick and Cody Bear Killer. Six great grandchildren, Amanda and Dusti Thompson, Justin Villarreal, Beau and Kason Herrick, and Chloe Bear Killer; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Funeral services will be held at the Forch Funeral Chapel, Benkelman, Neb., Thursday, July 10, 2008, with interment at the Benkelman Cemetery. Those who desire may view Mr. Frasier, Tuesday, 12 to 4 p.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.