Frazier

Professor Joseph S. Frazier, 98, of 18226 Walnut St., Hesperia, Calif., died peacefully in his sleep May 23 at his home with his wife by his side.

He was born the son of Stephen and Clara Snyder Frazier on Oct. 23, 1911, in Muddy Creek Township.

Professor Frazier obtained a bachelor's degree in history and math from Slippery Rock State College. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a master's degree in education. He took further graduate courses at Penn State, Rochester University, San Fernando State and Columbia University.

His teaching career spanned 47 years. It included positions as a teacher of grades first through eighth in a rural school, 10 years as an elementary principal, several years as a teacher of junior and senior high school, and as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate classes.

Professor Frazier retired in 1976 as professor emeritus at Slippery Rock University, where he supervised student teachers and taught history for 33 years.

He formerly was a longtime member of the Highland Presbyterian Church of Slippery Rock, where he had served as an elder and a Sunday school teacher. He was member of the Grove City F&AM Lodge, a charter member of the Slippery Rock Camera Club and various profession organizations.

After 63 years of marriage, his first wife, Ruth Cleland Frazier, died July 9, 1996. Their only child, a son, Roy Frazier, died Nov. 6, 1990.

Professor Frazier married Virginia Davis, a longtime friend, on June 3, 2003, in Apple Valley, Calif.

His survivors include his wife, Virginia Davis Frazier; a granddaughter, Nancy Gardina and her spouse, Michael; a great-granddaughter, Domino; a daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Frazier; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, faculty members, former students and friends.

<B>FRAZIER </B>— A private memorial service for professor Joseph S. Frazier, who died Sunday, May 23, 2010, was held in the Frazier home on June 3 on what would have been professor and Mrs. Frazier's seventh anniversary.In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to a charity or church of the donor's choice.