Frazier B. Smith

Frazier Benedict Smith, 87, died Dec. 9, 2007, at his home in Wasilla due to complications of a stroke.

Funeral Mass was said 11 a.m. Dec. 13 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1201 E. Bogard Rd. Interment followed at Wasilla-Aurora Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers were Leo Holler, Paul Smith, Jim Hill, Jim Hacker, Lee Frazier and Stan Cameron.

Smith came to Alaska in March of 1954, settling in Wasilla. He also lived at Ladd Air Base, Elmendorf AFB and Eielson AFB before retiring from the US Civil Service after 10 years to enjoy hunting, fishing and flying.

Frazier was born in Jasper County, Miss., to Ollie Jane Knight and Louis Delmas Smith. He met and married his first wife, Doretha Pavageau, in Abita Springs, La. During 43 years of marriage, Doretha and Frazier raised 11 children of their own, and many more strays who found their way to their open door.

Frazier began his career in the military in 1942, and it spanned four decades. He fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the conflict in North Vietnam, receiving two Purple Hearts in World War II and the Bronze Star in Vietnam. He retired from the US Air Force in 1976. He first brought his family to Alaska in early 1954, and throughout his long military service he came to know and love Alaska and made it his home.

  Frazier was an avid hunter, fisherman, bush pilot and story teller. He was a wonderful father, teacher and friend who imparted his wisdom of the wilderness to people from all over the world. He was loved and respected by many hunting and fishing buddies, and they all were welcomed into his home as part of his ever expanding family.

  After the loss of his first love, Frazier was destined to find Danielle Helene, and welcome three more children.

  He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Danielle, of Wasilla; sons Frazier Jr. and Paul of Wasilla, Bruce of Modesto, Calif., Norm of Tacoma, Wash., Jeff of Atwater, Calif., David Pavageau of Seattle, Tony of Olalla, Wash.; daughters Eileen Smith and Dianne Walkup of Tacoma, Aggie Schoonover of El Portal, Calif., Rosemary Ritter of Anchorage; stepson, DeeVee Porter of Beaver, Utah; stepdaughters Cathy Porter of Anchorage and Lisa Hacker of Wasilla; 37 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Doretha.

  Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Wasilla & Palmer assisted the family.