Donald E Frazier's Obituary
Donald “Don” Eugene Frazier, 90, passed away Sunday, February 15th, 2026. His loving family was with him, and we will forever be grateful that in his final days, he was aware of our presence and was able to communicate his love and peace with each of us.
Don was born May 14, 1935, in Gary, West Virginia to Elsie Hedrick Frazier and William Walter Frazier. The family moved to Memphis in 1937 - needing to be nearer Campbell Orthopedic Clinic following a severely crippling accident incurred by his brother. He lived the rest of his life in Memphis.
He attended Treadwell High School and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of the Student Chapter of A.S.C.E, Chi Epsilon honor fraternity and received a degree in Civil Engineering.
After graduation, Don began his career with Harland Bartholomew & Associates, where he worked until 1961 designing Interstate Highways throughout the Memphis area. In 1961, he joined Lehman-Roberts Company, beginning a chapter that would define the rest of his professional life.
He humbly and proudly served as president from 1976 until 2000 and was lovingly referred to by many as “Mr. Don”. As someone who struggled to give up his slide rule for a computer, he led a large construction company into the computer age. Even as president, he would also be out on job sites as much as possible to keep in touch with the crews doing the difficult work. His contributions to the asphalt industry were not limited to just Lehman-Roberts. He was involved with numerous industry associations, including being on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Asphalt Association and President of the Mississippi Asphalt Paving Association. Among the many roles he fulfilled, one of the most cherished was also the simplest: he was usually the first to arrive each morning, faithfully brewing the office coffee. After his retirement, it was this small but meaningful ritual that many missed most—a daily reminder of his steady presence, servant leadership, and genuine care for those around him.
Don met the love of his life, Carolyn Bell, in the summer of 1958 through a friend on one of his many Pickwick weekend skiing trips. They were married in 1959 and were blessed to celebrate 52 years together. Don and Carolyn were avid travelers and visited every continent with the exception of Australia. The treasures, memories and stories they brought home were inspiring to us all. Although they experienced many different places and cultures, Ireland held a very special place in their hearts drawing them back more than once. Closer to home, Don enjoyed taking the entire family to the beach each summer and encouraged all of us to explore the world.
Don was crystal clear and laser focused on his priorities - faith, family and friends. He and Carolyn were members of Collierville United Methodist church. After Carolyn suffered a debilitating stroke, Don was a most beautiful example of true love and dedication. He was the sole caregiver of his precious wife for years and joked that he did most things well, except her hair.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and William Frazier, his wife Carolyn, his sister Evelyn Harrington, and his brother Bill Frazier. He is survived by his children Steve Frazier (Jill), Keith Frazier (Kathy) and Sharon Leffingwell along with his grandchildren, Cy Leffingwell (Emma), Hannah Leffingwell, Jake Frazier and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He was our rock. He loved us well. He was a beautiful example of love, faithfulness, generosity and dedication. He will be missed. May we always hear him yelling GO VOLS!, HAIL STATE! and occasionally, a Go Tigers Go!
2Timothy 4:7-8 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me.
Matthew 25:21 Well done my good and faithful servant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Church Health Center, Baptist Reynolds Hospice House or the charity of your choice.
Visitation for Don will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. The committal service will take place following the funeral service.
Memorial Park Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?
