Russel W. “Rusty” Fraser, 43, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita following a very brief illness.
He was born July 1, 1976, in Newton, to Robert and Sandy (Schmidt) Fraser. Rusty grew up on a farm near Hesston and was a 1994 graduate of Hesston High School. He attended both Kansas State University and Hutchinson Community College. Rusty was trainmaster for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and worked out of Arkansas City. Rusty earned his Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts and was an active member of the Harvey County 4-H, where he had many projects including horses, veef and geology, among others. He has a lifelong love of horses and special bond with his favorite horse Cricket.
Rusty was known by his family and friends for his gentle spirit and quiet, deliberate way he carried himself. He was respected by his co-workers and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents Robert and Sandy Fraser of Hesston; sister Shari Fraser of Hutchinson; uncle and aunt Douglas and Susan Schmidt of Hutchinson; cousin Shauna Burdick of Hutchinson; and his great-aunt and her family Judy Box of Newton.
Rusty was preceded in death by his grandparents; cousins Chris Schmidt and Mark Ellis; and Uncle Keith and Aunt Carol Ellis.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel in Newton with presiding minister Ruby Graber presiding. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.
Memorials are suggested to Harvey County 4-H in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
