Community Joins Twins Edward and Edsel Frazier in Celebration of their 94th Birthday

March 15, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Family and friends joined in the celebration of the 94th birthday for WW II Veterans Edward and Edsel Frazier (twins) Friday at the Smithville First Baptist Church.

State Senator Mark Pody and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver presented Edward with a state proclamation in honor of the twins adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly. Edsel, who is a resident at the Webb House Retirement Center, was unable to attend

Food and refreshments were served up as well as a birthday cake.

Edward and Edsel were born to Hassie Pearl Hubbard Frazier and Robert Lee Frazier in the Dry Creek Community of DeKalb County on March 13, 1926.

The Frazier brother twins were inducted at Camp Forrest, Tennessee during World War II at 18 years of age. Edward and Edsel both started in the 99th Army Infantry Division and served with General Hodges and General George Patton while crossing the Blue Danube. The twins walked across the bridge at the landing of Normandy in the icy cold water. Their boots were frozen along with the rest of them.

Both have stories about the extreme weather conditions and surviving the war with Edward even going into an old farm house to stay next to a cow to try and get warm. Edward still credits that cow with saving his life after he was separated from the others in his platoon. The other soldiers in the company that night thought he was dead when he turned up missing, but had a good laugh when he finally caught up. These are a few of the memories they love to share, but there were many memories too painful to relay. Edward always talks about seeing so much hunger and to this day has trouble seeing people throw their food away wastefully. Both of the guys couldn’t wait to get back to their home state of Tennessee after the war and to roam in the hills of Dry Creek where they were both born.

Their Rank: Private 1st Class; Edward was recommended for Master Sergeant at the end of the war, but was too anxious to return home to stay in the army. He recalls the joy when told the war was over and everyone was returning home.

Edward and Edsel earned various medals including two battle stars, I Eastern Rhine, 1 European Theatre-medals, along with other awards. During the war, Edsel was hospitalized while Edward’s troop moved on so the guys were separated briefly during the war. The men were discharged in Fort Logan, Colorado in Denver at the end of the war.

A reporter talked to the guys and Edward laughingly told him that they were named by their father who loved his old Model T so much he named them after the Ford’s, Henry Edsel and Henry Edward. This was picked up by the AP Wire and sent all across the U.S. about the Ford Twins.

Through the years, the guys have both contributed much to the community with Edward being active in politics and serving on numerous county committees as well as being elected Mayor of Smithville for two terms. Edsel was a U.S. Postal employee and retired from that position and is also a member of the Shriners. Both have played key positions with their local VFW and American Legion organizations with Edward serving as Commander for many years.

Edward’s daughter and Edsel’s niece Susan D. Frazier Hinton prepared the following remarks for the occasion .

“You can talk to almost anyone in our town and they have a special story to tell about these guys. Edward and Edsel. You hardly hear one name without the other. They looked so much alike when they were young; it was very difficult to distinguish one from the other. In fact, it gave them many opportunities to swap jobs, duties, or even girls.”

“These men have led very interesting and exciting lives and continue to inspire many around them. They have not lost their zest for life, their smiles, or love for others around them.”

“Both served in World War II and both have worked hard all their lives. They were farm boys before they left for the war and helped their father in the fields. Neither had any real toys so they made them out of old wood or whatever they could find lying around.”

“Both married and had a girl and a boy-in that order. My uncle Edsel married first and he had Margaret. My dad married later and had me (Susan), and then my uncle had a son-Eddie B., and my dad had a son a few years later, Edward, JR.”

“Uncle Edsel lost two wives to cancer, but he cared for them until they passed and picked up the pieces. Both these guys lost their only sons who were both found dead in cars in our town. They carried on with hurt in their hearts, but they never became bitter or mad at God, They just missed their sons and went on.”

“My uncle later lost his only daughter, Margaret, to cancer, but he kept on and encouraged those around him. Both of these guys worked until they could work no more because of their health.”

“Now, it is with great joy and happiness I want to wish these two men, my dad and my uncle, a very happy birthday. When I was told to call Hospice a few years ago when my dad had a debilitating heart attack, I just told them, “Thanks, but no thanks for now.” Maybe the time will come when we have to have some help and will call them, but we will know. As most of you know, my dad broke a hip earlier in the year, but he went through his therapy like the champion he is and he never gave up.”

“My uncle was not well during part of last year, but he has come back and is getting to church and visiting his friends, and enjoying his time on this earth.”

“I want to say how proud I am of both of you. You have both loved me throughout my life unconditionally, and you love your friends.”

“You are happiest when you have visitors and you always find something to smile about. My birthday wish for both of you is to cherish the friends who are here today to congratulate you and continue to hold your head high and face every day head on like you always have.”

“Depression twins-You have made it to the other side and we are so glad, Love you both and Happy 94th birthday,” concluded Hinton.

March 14, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world, including in Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee Thursday declared a state of emergency while making plans to shore up the state’s medical resources in anticipation of a wave of new patients. But State Senator Mark Pody and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, who made a joint appearance at an event in DeKalb County Friday, are cautioning people not to panic.

State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver and State Senator Mark Pody address concerns about the coronavirus from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“We don’t need to be afraid we just need to use common sense,” said Senator Pody.

Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have mild respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath. A smaller number of patients have severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.

As of Friday, state officials said Tennessee had 26 detected cases of COVID-19.

Senator Pody, trying to ease concerns, said people should put things in perspective.

“Since the start of this coronavirus there have been 138,000 people who have gotten this virus worldwide and of that 138,000 we have already had over 70,000 completely cured with no further problems whatsoever. We have about 62,000 who still have some sort of virus. They have been tested positive and of that number (62,000) there are 56,600 people who have already been calculated as mild so they will recover. It comes down to this. In the entire history of this virus worldwide there have been 5,080 deaths and that is tragic but every single year we have millions of people that get the flu and die from it. This virus (coronavirus) isn’t even coming close to that. Its really important to keep this in perspective,” said Senator Pody.

“In the United States, as of today (Friday) there have been 1,800 plus cases and of that number (1,800) there have been 41 deaths in this nation since it started and over half of those deaths came from one facility, a nursing home in the state of Washington. The average age of people passing away from this virus has been over 80 years old and most of those people had an underlying health condition. If you are a healthy person and get something like this it will probably be more like an allergy or flu like symptom. It may not necessarily put you in the hospital. We are saying don’t go overboard and think that this is something that will destroy Tennessee or America. Its not that. Just use some common sense and go on with your everyday lives,” said Pody.

Representative Weaver also cautioned people not to panic but to practice good hygiene and seek medical attention if you do get sick.

“This is flu season so wash your hands, cover your mouth, and if you are sick just stay home and take care of yourself. If your children are sick don’t send them to school. Its just common sense.
If you feel you have any symptoms go get tested or have a checkup. Take care of yourself,” she said.

Tennesseans are encouraged to take routine precautions used in guarding against respiratory viruses:

*Wash your hands often with soap and water.
*Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
*Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
*Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
*Stay home if you are sick
*Stay away from people who are sick

The governor’s state of an emergency declaration on Thursday came one day after the World Health Organization said COVID-19 had become a global pandemic, President Donald Trump ordered a ban on air travel from Europe, sports leagues suspended seasons, and schools throughout the state said they planned to shut down campuses. On Friday President Trump declared a national emergency, a move that would enable federal officials to direct billions of dollars to fighting the virus.

With the emergency declaration, Tennessee will join an ever-growing number of states to take similar action. As of Wednesday, at least 28 had declared states of emergency, according to the National Governors Association.

The declaration will also give Tennessee access to additional federal funding to combat the coronavirus. Before Thursday’s announcement, Tennessee was set to receive $10 million from the federal government to help with the state’s response.

The Tennessee Department of Health has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The number is 877-857-2945 and is available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT.

People with concerns about their health should contact their health care providers. TDH has additional information available at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html. The CDC has updated information and guidance available online at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

March 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is restricting public access to the facility until further notice due to the threat of the coronavirus.

“Our number one priority is to prevent possible exposure to staff as well as inmates therefore we have placed the sheriff’s office and jail on a soft lock down which means that the general public will not be able to enter the facility. The front door to the lobby will be locked. Anyone in need of an officer or services such as a warrant must press a button at the front door which will ring for a correctional officer who will meet you at the door to offer assistance,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray.

For all non-emergency issues please call 615-597-4935.

“Tuesday night church services and family visitations with inmates at the jail will be prohibited except for online visitations and the inmate roadside litter pickup program will be suspended until the threat subsides,” said Sheriff Ray.

“Offenders brought into the jail will undergo established protocols during this time and rather than an in court appearance, video conferences will be arranged for defendants needing an immediate hearing before a judge for certain matters such as bond conditions, etc.,” he added.

“To keep the jail from being infected, regular wipe downs are being conducted throughout the jail and cell areas”.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” added Sheriff Ray.

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