William Frazier

January 15, 1948 - July 1, 2014

William “Willie” Frazier, 66, of Eagle Butte, entered the Spirit World at Mitchell, SD on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at his home in Eagle Butte. William E. Frazier was born Jan 15, 1948 in White Horse, SD to Mazie Fast Horse and William Frazier. Mazie later married Louie Thompson who owned a ranch down in Armstrong County, which is where Will grew up and developed his love of ranching – cows, horses, etc. Some of his funniest stories pertained to a little Shetland pony named Stubbs. He also gained a large extended family with the Thompsons. Will attended school down in Old Cheyenne River until 1960 when the school was moved to Eagle Butte. He graduated in 1967. Will joined the Marines and was given an honorable discharge. He was very proud of that. In 1969 Will met Inez Eagleshield and they were married in March of 1972. To this union were born five children: Dondi, India, Abbi, Fanchon (Fanni) and Sara. As a result he has 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. He was a proud Grandpa, wanting pictures to hang on his walls! Will attended and completed Welding School 1979 in Rapid City, SD. In 1985 he attended and completed training for heavy equipment operator in Phoenix, Az. He said that he preferred driving heavy equipment because he was by himself. He even helped in construction of the Kenel Road. Will and his little family moved to various places, Seattle, Wa. Chinle and Parker, AZ, Rapid City, and of course home, South Dakota. On one trip to Seattle we stopped in Yellowstone Park and the car engine caught fire, someone had a fire extinguisher and put it out. Will tinkered around under the hood and then we continued on our way like nothing happened. On another trip to AZ he had a maroon van and it quit in some little town in Wyoming. Found an Auto parts store, got the needed part and we were on our way the next morning. Will was a very intelligent man and could do many things but he was also a humble man. For all of that he had a wicked sense of humor, constantly making up nicknames for family and friends. He enjoyed country and western music – golden oldies, one of whom was Boxcar Willie. This is where he got the name “Boxcar” He could really tease and loved to joke around. And he had a big heart, helped whenever and whoever he could. He had many friends but said that he was feeling old because so many of his friends were gone. But when family would get on him about his health he would brush everyone off, saying “just call me Doc Frazier” or saying “I’m fine, I’ll be alright”. Will is survived by 5 children: Dondi Lynn of Jamestown, ND, India Ann, Fanchon Fawn, Sara Inez all of Bismarck, ND, Abbi Marie of Parker, AZ and 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Two brothers: Helbent Frazier and Emmett Thompson of Eagle Butte. Four sisters: Arlene Thompson and Bernadette Halfred of Eagle Butte. Verlyn Fast Horse of Pierre, SD and Ivajean Carter of Scottsburg, IN. Four step brothers: Francis Thompson and Frank Thompson of White Horse, SD. Alex Thompson of Eagle Butte and Lloyd Thompson of Rock Creek, SD. Two step sisters: Deliah Tiger of Mobridge, SD and Beatrice Gabe of White Horse, SD. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eagle Butte, with Mother Margaret Watson officiating. Burial will follow at the Emmanuel Episcopal Cemetery at White Horse, SD. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of Rooks & Red Dog Funeral Home of Eagle Butte.