Joseph J. Frasure

Joseph James Frasure, 80 of Michigan City passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 23rd at Regency Hospital in Porter, Indiana. 

Joseph was born May 27, 1938 in Humphry, Arkansas the son of the late Cornell Frasure and Thelma McNeal.

Joseph moved to Michigan City at the age of 11. He left High School early to serve his country joining the United States Air Force in 1955. After basic training he joined the 438 Fighter Interceptor Squadron based at Kinross Air Force Base just south of Sault Ste. Marie Michigan. While at Kinross Joseph served in the critical role of fighter pilot parachute packer. He also was a keen sportsman during his time at Kinross playing starting guard on the base’s highly regarded basketball team. He was then transferred to the 1607th Air Transport Wing (H) in Dover Delaware where he completed his time of service in the Air Force.

After his four years of service, Joseph received his Honorable discharge and returned to Michigan City finishing high school in 1959. During that same year he married his long-term sweet heart Alberta Davis, spending fifty-nine years together as husband and wife.

Joseph showed an early inclination toward entrepreneurship opening of operating two taverns in Michigan City. His most successful venture was the Canada Bar which operated for many years until the premises were purchased as part of the redevelopment project for the Blue Chip Casino. A man with boundless energy, Joseph also served as a long-term employee of Sullair Corporation while running his business retiring in 2017 after 44 years of dedicated service. Joseph was an avid small game hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed following the Chicago Bulls basketball team and was an enthusiastic boxing fan.

Joseph is survived by his wife Alberta and their three children David Frasure of Michigan City, Jacqueline Frasure-Hayden (Jeffery) of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom and Marty Frasure of Michigan City. His step Mother Marie Frasure of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; His beloved siblings, Irma Jewel Smith of Temple Hills, Maryland, Carl Frasure of Dallas, Texas and Deidre Frasure of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, four grandchildren Alexandria Hayden Morrison (Marc), Jeffery Hayden II, Nicholas Hayden and Sydney Hayden all of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom.  His special Cousin Marilyn McNeal Perteet (Tyrone) as well as a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents Cornell Frasure and Thelma McNeal. His brothers Lee Wallace Wilson, William “Billy” McNeal, John McNeal, Eddie McNeal and Melvie McNeal. His sisters Enola Wilson, Sara Dove, Annie Moten, Gladys Mae Robertson Ima Lou Amos and Stella Bureau and a special Sister-in-law, Freddie Mae McNeal.

Visitation will be from 10 to 12 on January 2nd at Coleman&Hicks Funeral Home 101 North Karwick Road in Michigan City. Following visitation, a celebration of life service will begin at 12 followed by internment at Greenwood Cemetery. After the internment, a repast will be held at the Elks Lodge FOP on Highway 20 starting at 2 pm.  

Memorial contributions may be selected on the Coleman&Hicks website under Joseph’s name or directed to the American Stroke Association in his name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph J. Frasure, please visit our floral store.