He was born on August 20, 1923, in Durham, the first child of three, to John Howard and Meta Fraser. He graduated from Brunswick High School in 1941. After completing his Machinist certificate, he joined the Hyde Windlass Company (later Bath Iron Works), in July 1942. In August 1943 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served in World War II as part of the Marines in the South Pacific (fighting in Okinawa, Guadalcanal and Peleliu), and was also stationed in Tientsin, China. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on February 14, 1946, and returned to work at Bath Iron Works, where he retired in August 1984 after 42 years with the company.
He is predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Alena (Hutchins) Fraser, whom he married on June 23, 1946. He is survived by four children,
Shirley and her husband, Paul Mathews, of Wheaton, Il., Brenda and her husband, Bill Castonguay, of Raleigh, N.C., Howard Jr. and his wife, Sharon Fraser of New Woodstock, N.Y., Katherine and her husband, Gary deBock, of Big Rapids, MI., seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Brunswick for over 70 years and most recently was a member of Riverside Drive Baptist Church in Auburn. Howard was a hardworking man who loved and supported his family and strived to serve the Lord Jesus faithfully.
Friends and family are invited to visit 1-2pm, Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME. A funeral service will follow at 2pm at the funeral home. Services will conclude with interment in Lunt Cemetery, Brunswick. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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