Ronald Gene Frazier of Hermiston passed away in Hermiston on Jan. 17, 2026 at the age of 90.
He was born on Sept. 6, 1935 in Malott, Wash. to Samuel and Mabel Miller Frazier.
Ronald lived his early childhood in Malott, Wash. on the family homestead. During World War II, the family lived in western Washington. He then lived in Spangle, Wash., where he first began crafting musical instruments by the instruction of a close friend. He graduated from Irrigon High School in the class of 1954.
After high school Ronald moved to Walla Walla, Wash., where he worked in various jobs and lived for several years. In the mid-1960s he lived in Othello, Wash., where he worked in a cabinet shop for several years. In 1978 he moved to Hermiston when he opened Ron’s Cabinet Shop, which he operated in Hermiston for many years. He later changed the business to Ron’s Guitar, where he made custom guitars and musical instruments and repaired instruments until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. He was well known in the music world where he had befriended several well-known artists, with Merle Haggard being one of many.
Ronald had a passion for music and enjoyed catch-and-release fly fishing.
He is survived by a son, Roy and wife, Patty Frazier; daughter, Deborah Parker; brother, Floyd Frazier; grandchildren, Tonia, Wendy, Ronald, Karen, Chris and Nova; seven great-grandchildren; and several extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn; second wife, Naomi; daughters, Connie, Ronda and Dannis; son, Hugh; brother, Bob; and his parents, Sam and Mabel.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 at 3 p.m. at the Hermiston Seventh-day Adventist Church, 855 W. Highland Ave. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
