Phillip "Phill" Russell Fraser

Phill Fraser

The family of Phill Fraser would like to invite friends and acquaintances to join us in a remembrance service to celebrate the life of our husband and father on Oct. 9, at 3 p.m. at the 4-H Building, Niobrara County Fairgrounds in Lusk.

Phill Fraser passed away Sept. 25, in Kansas City, Kan.

Phill was born Oct. 20, 1936 in Van Tassell, to Stanley and Phebe (Roberts) Fraser. He attended schools in Lance Creek, Manville, and Lusk, completing the 8th grade. He then quit school to take ranch related jobs to help support his family. He recently acquired his diploma being the oldest graduate of the Class of 2004 from Niobrara County High School at Lusk.

His ranch adventures and love of horses drew him to the field of horse racing at an early age and he spent over five years riding racehorses across the western states.

Phill joined the military in 1954 enlisting with the US Navy. He was assigned to several ships including the USS Ariskanee and the USS Hornet. After completing his tour of duty with the Navy he returned home to Lusk where he met and married Beulah Penfield on March 30, 1959.

He worked at the Lusk fuel stations and area ranches before hiring on with Sawyer Stockliners to drive truck in Torrington in 1960. Carl Sawyer's steer roping expertise quickly sparked the natural talent and enthusiasm Phill held. He competed in ropings, hosted, and even flagged for many years, 1976 being his last year to compete at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Phill worked in the livestock industry all his life. He was Great Plains Chemical Company's first customer and later became their top "medicine peddler" where he worked for over seven years.

In 1977 he was hired by Vaughn Young to operate and manage the west yard for Young Cattle Company, where he still worked and lived until the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Beulah; two sons, Calvin and wife Kim of Brule, Nebr., Troy and wife, Jayne of Arthur, Nebr.; daughter, Stani Murray of Syracuse, Kan.; four grandchildren, Clay Fraser, of Brule, Nebr., Trinity Murray of Goodland, Kan., Danual Murray, USMC Kaneohe, HI, and Jerri Rai Murray, Syracuse, Kan.; two sisters; Anna May Oliver of Lusk and Myrna Gabol of Tucumcari, N.M.; sister-in-law, Ailene Fraser of Casper, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Floyd; sisters; Phebe and Tess and an infant son Phillip Scott.

Cremation has occurred and the family will conduct scattering at a later date. Memorials may be sent in care of the family or The Niobrara Foundation, P.O. Box 727, Lusk, WY 82225 for future designation to the hospital. In lieu of flowers please bring your favorite story to share on Saturday to help us remember Phill as he lived life, with humor and a love for good times with friends and family.

The Lusk Herald
June 17, 2015
Phillip and Beulah (Penfield) Fraser

Graveside services for Phillip and Beulah (Penfield) Fraser will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sat., June 20, 2015, at the Lusk Cemetery.

Phillip was born October 20, 1936 in Van Tassell, Wyoming, and passed away September 25, 2004 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Beulah was born November 30, 1940 in Lusk, Wyoming, and passed away November 25, 2014 in Ogalala, Nebraska.

Pier Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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