Charles Ruel Fraser

Charles Ruel Fraser, age 94 of Bolivar, passed away at 11:45 AM Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at the Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar after a brief illness. He was born on June 12, 1919 in Polk, MO, to Elgie R. Fraser and Elpha M. (Hood) Fraser. From the time he was a young boy, Charles worked in the family’s general store, which gave him a valuable education in business at a very early age. This practical education, combined with a strong work ethic, enabled him to succeed in whatever business venture he attempted. Charles owned and operated grocery stores in Bolivar, Stockton, Buffalo, Eldorado Springs and Lebanon. His store was the first super market in Bolivar and Polk County. Before opening the grocery store he attended college in Springfield and was a member of the SMS Boxing team. Charles met his wife, Georgia Lee Marsh, while in college at SMS. They married on February 12, 1942 in Louisburg, MO. He and Georgia operated the store until he was asked to run the Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank of Bolivar in the fall of 1961. Although he had no previous banking experience, he was a natural for the job. He was president, CEO, and Chairman of the Board and by 1963, he had the fastest percentage growing bank in the state. The bank later merged with Commerce Bank of Kansas City and the name was change to the Commerce Bank of Bolivar. Charles remained as president, CEO and Chairman of the Board until his retirement at age 65. He continued to remain very busy and active in community affairs. In the 1970’s Charles, along with Clifford Cribbs and Bob Butler, founded the first nursing home in Bolivar. Charles was also one of the founders of the Bolivar Land Development Company and was currently the sole owner. He also started the Industrial Development Corporation of Bolivar to draw industry into the city. He received an appointment from Washington, DC, and worked for many years as council member and chairman of the Small Business Administration serving the Bolivar area. Charles was the finance chairman and a board member of the Modern American Life Insurance Company of Springfield, MO until it was sold. He also served on the Bolivar City Council and as President and board member of the Chamber Of Commerce , as well as board member of the Commerce Bank of Springfield. He was recognized for his service to the community with the 21st Civic Service Award and was awarded an honorary doctorate from SBU. When his sons were young, Charles and Jim Strange started the first Little League Baseball team in Bolivar, the Fraser Yankees. The league has grown to include many teams, for both boys and girls of all ages. He also was one of the originators of the Kiwanis Club in Bolivar. Charles and Georgia liked the same things; playing bridge, golfing and traveling-- but they especially loved their children and grandchildren and their church, First Baptist Church of Bolivar. Charles and Georgia enjoyed a very happy life together until she died in 1993. Charles later enjoyed many years with Elizabeth Teters of Bolivar until she passed away at the end of last year. Surviving Charles are his two sons, Michael Fraser and wife Linda of Bolivar; and Pat Fraser and wife Penny of Bolivar. His Five Grandchildren, Rob Fraser and wife Lauren, Ryan Fraser and wife Hayley, Larry Fraser and wife Andrea, Jarrett Fraser and wife Angela, Justin Fraser and wife Tracy; and six great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life for Charles R. Fraser will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Bolivar, MO with Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. A brief visitation will precede the Celebration at 10:00 AM.Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar, MO. In lieu of Flowers the family requests Memorial Contribution be made to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, 316 N. Main, Bolivar, MO 65613 or the Polk County Humane Society, 4404 S. 82nd Rd., Bolivar, MO 65613 Friends and Family my sign the guest book at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Charles Ruel Fraser

June 12, 1919 - October 29, 2013