The Frazier Brothers, Twin WWII Veterans, to Celebrate their 93rd Birthday

March 7, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A birthday bash is scheduled Saturday for two World War II veterans, and twin brothers, who will be celebrating their 93rd year.

The big birthday barbeque for Edward and Edsel Frazier will be held at the Smithville First Baptist Church from 1- 3 p.m. and everyone is invited and while cards are okay the only gift they want is for you to be there. However, you may make a donation to the American Legion Post #122 to support a young man at Boys State.

Edward and Edsel were born to Hassie and Robert Lee Frazier on Dry Creek in 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.

March 6, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The parishioners of St. Gregory Parish are pleased to welcome our new pastor, Father John Patrick Day, CP, who celebrated his first mass at the parish on Sunday, March 3 at 11 a.m. He was assisted by  Reverend Timothy Winters, Deacon .

Father Patrick grew up in Illinois, and ordained as a Passionist Priest in 1972 . While in Japan he served as St. Teresa of Calcutta’s chauffeur during her visit there, and served in parish ministry in Japan for 14 years. After returning from Japan, Father Patrick served as chaplain with the Illinois State Police for 33 years , and with the Missouri Highway Patrol for 20 years.

Father Patrick, who is the pastor at St. Andrew, in Sparta  will now also serve as Pastor in St. Gregory as well. Mass in St. Gregory will now be held at 11 AM and religious education classes will be held earlier.

March 6, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Health Department was honored at the TNCPE Excellence Awards Celebration and Banquet, held on Thursday, February 28, 2019. The Commitment Award was presented by Mr. Bob Fangmeyer, Director, Baldrige Performance Excellence Program/NIST, and Tamera Fields Parsons,  TNCPE President and CEO. Business and community leaders from across Tennessee and the Southeast joined us to recognize and celebrate the winners. Twenty-two organizations representing high-performing businesses, government agencies, nonprofit, health care and education organizations were recognized for their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

For more information, visit www.TNCPE.org.

Photo Credit: George Walker IV

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