Charles Fraters

Sgt. Charles "Tony" Fraters passed away on May 20, 2026. Tony was born in Pendleton, Oregon, on August 1, 1945. He was raised and deeply loved by Charlie and Sharlet Fraters. Growing up in a military family, he had the opportunity to travel and live in many different states alongside his brothers: Bob, John, Charlie, and Frank ("Franky"). He later moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where he met the love of his life, Linda Kay Cooper, while attending Hawthorne Middle School. The two were married on November 24, 1965.

Sgt. Fraters was drafted into the United States Army before completing his high school diploma, but he proudly went on to earn his GED through the military. He served his country with honor for many years, including a deployment to Vietnam, two tours in Germany, and a tour in California. Following his retirement from active duty, he joined the National Guard in Pocatello, Idaho. True to his devoted nature, he also served his local community by fighting numerous wildfires across the state. He received many commendations and awards throughout his distinguished military career.

Tony loved sports, particularly football, where his incredible speed earned him the nickname "Lightning." He was an avid bowler for many years, competing in several different leagues at Tough Guy Lanes. He also loved to fish and hunt, always eager to share stories of his outdoor adventures with anyone who would listen. Tony was a deeply loving husband and father who cherished every single moment spent with his family. He truly had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. This helpful spirit carried into his civilian work; he teamed up with his father-in-law at Cooper Road Service, working at all hours of the day and night to help stranded truck drivers get back on the road across Idaho and its surrounding states.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Linda Kay Cooper-Fraters of Pocatello, Idaho. He is also survived by his four children and their spouses: Cindy Parker (Ken) of Forest Grove, Oregon; Jennifer Ballance (John) of Rupert, Idaho; Charles Wesley Fraters of Pocatello, Idaho; and Mary Nicole "Nikki" Evans (Dave) of Pocatello, Idaho. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Jocelyn Parker Heisler (Aaron) of Elko, Nevada; Mathew Peterson and Terron Parker, both of Forest Grove, Oregon; Ashley Ballance Reno (Walter) of Rupert, Idaho; and Logan Evans (Kimi) of Pocatello, Idaho. He is further survived by his cherished great-grandchildren: Mariah Jimenez of Pocatello, Idaho; Nevaeh Heisler of Elko, Nevada; Skylar Reno, Davin Reno, Will Burton, and Aurora Reno, all of Rupert, Idaho; and Natalie Evans of Pocatello, Idaho.

Precious Memories

From Linda: "Dad was so incredibly happy when Wesley was born. He ran outside and shouted to everyone in the neighborhood, 'I have a BOY!'"

From Cindy: "I'll always cherish helping my dad play poker with the buddies from his military unit after mom went to bed."

From Jen: "I love remembering Dad playing 'War' and hide-and-seek with all the neighborhood kids in the apartments, and our endless games of rummy."

From Wesley: "A favorite memory is Dad dressing up fully in his camo and a Ghillie suit to play Airsoft with me and my friends—even at 78 years old!"

From Nikki: "My favorite times were simply picking Daddy up to take him fishing, followed by a trip out for ice cream."

Memories and condolences may be shared using the Guestbook below.