Benjamin Marlin Fraker
Benjamin Marlin Fraker, son of Glen William Fraker and Phyllis Irene (Marlin) Fraker, was born June 26, 1951, in Springfield, MO. He peacefully passed away at 3:56 p.m. Sunday, December 22, 2024, surrounded by his family at Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield at the age of 73.
Ben was a Marshfield High School graduate of 1969. Following graduation, he worked at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in Springfield and later on a dude ranch in Estes Park, Colorado. On April 12, 1970, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served two years and nine months during the Vietnam War, primarily on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk in Subic Bay.
Ben returned home in 1973 to work with his dad Glen on the family dairy farm. He also worked with his cousin Gary at Fraker Memorial Funeral Home and Fraker Ambulance Service. He owned and operated Webster County Ford Tractor for many years and drove for Associated Wholesale Grocers. He moved to Odessa, Texas and hauled Sand Kings to the oil field for Fac-Tech until his health began to fail. He moved back to the family farm west of Marshfield and enjoyed going to auctions, messing with tractors, his horses and enjoyed a big cup of hot coffee and long conversations about the old days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Ronnie Fraker.
He is survived by his three children, Rex Maddox III and his wife Abby, Dallas, TX, Ryan Maddox and his wife Kim, Springfield and Emily Ray and her husband Riley, Marshfield; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his sister-in-law, Darlene Newton, Marshfield: his nephew, Scott Fraker and his wife Marcy, Strafford; his niece Shelley Newton, Crane; and many other relatives and friends.
When Benny returned home from Vietnam in 1973, like most Vietnam veterans he did not come home to any fanfare, but in October of 2022 he proudly went on the Honor Flight of the Ozarks to Washington D.C. and came home to the fanfare and reception that he and other Vietnam veterans deserved. That day made a major impact on his life and his family requests memorial contributions be made to Honor Flight of the Ozarks in Benny’s honor so other veterans can have the experience that he had. The contributions may be left in the care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO 65706.
At Ben’s request, no services are planned. Family and friends are invited to Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. to visit and share memories of Ben. Private interment was in Marshfield Cemetery.