Glen Rufus Fraley, 97, of Houston, Missouri, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on November 22, 2025, in Houston. He was born on December 27, 1927, in Thayer, Missouri, to Willis Franklin Fraley and Dovie Elizabeth (Childers) Fraley.
On August 27, 1949, Glen married the love of his life, Neva Jo Miller, in Thayer, Missouri. Together, they raised two daughters, Brenda Kay Manns and Nancy Susan Branson. Glen and Neva shared 61 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2011.
Glen accepted Christ as a young man at Clifton Freewill Baptist Church. He later became a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Thayer, Missouri, where he faithfully served for 50 years in many roles, including Sunday School Secretary, sound system operator for nearly two decades, church trustee, and greeter. In his later years, he became a member of Ozark Baptist Church in Houston, Missouri, attending as long as his health allowed.
A proud Army veteran of World War II, Glen spent time in Japan during his service. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion and was dedicated to helping provide medical equipment to those in need.
Glen devoted 40 years to the Thayer Volunteer Fire Department, many of those as the department’s Secretary. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1988 after 22 years of service. Following retirement, he and Neva enjoyed traveling together. Glen continued serving others by volunteering at the Fun and Friends Senior Center, delivering meals to shut-ins, and later at the Houston Senior Center. He donated blood frequently, loved tending to his garden, and was well known for always having a joke to share.
Glen is survived by his daughter, Nancy (David) Branson; granddaughters Jennifer (Dean) Rose, Elizabeth (Sean) McCormick, and Sara Jo (Jim) Flora; great-grandchildren Jarod Geike, Joseph Rose, Abby, Ellie, James, and Kolby Flora; son-in-law Don Manns; sister Faith Lovelace; special friend Darlene Shawhan; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Neva Miller; daughter, Brenda Manns; great-grandchild, Tevin Geike; and sister, Clestyl Clark.
Glen’s life was defined by service, love, and loyalty, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to God, family and the community he proudly called home.
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Memorials can be made to the Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center, 100 Chestnut Street, Thayer, Missouri, 65791 or to the Houston Senior Activity Center, 301 S Grand Ave, Houston, MO 65483
Services to be officiated by Pastor Dr. Jim Flora. Pallbearers will be John Davis, David Branson, James Flora, Robert Stringer, Willie Johnsons and Ed Edington. Music will be by Sean McCormick and service ended by playing of Taps by Willie Johnson.
A Visitation will be held at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and a Graveside Funeral will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
