Steven “Steve” D. Fraley, 79, of Union City passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family under hospice care.
A funeral service celebrating Steve’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI with Pastor Pete Payne from the Assembly of God Church of Union City officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Union City.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, also at the Lighthouse in Union City.
Steve was born September 16, 1946, to Buell and Virginia (Kautenberger) Fraley in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Coldwater High School with the Class of 1964.
Steve proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 during Vietnam. August 20, 1982, he was married to Sylvia Frederick by Coach Floyd Eby in Coldwater.
He worked at Union City Industries as a consultant for many years and continued even after he retired. Steve loved sports; whether he was watching professional, college, or local sports, or coaching; especially with Coach Eric Tundevold. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, racket ball, reading, board games, cards, and golfing.
Steve was a gentle giant and early on he earned the nicknames “Big Fral” and the “The Big Guy”. Steve didn’t just support and cheer on his children, but all the children in the Union City community, always encouraging them to do their best. Seeing them all succeed and being a part of their lives gave him great joy.
Surviving Steve are his wife of 43 years, Sylvia Fraley of Union City; his children, Michelle (Scott) Palmateer of Qunicy, Nikki (Jeff) Hammond of East Leroy, Lance (Linda) Fraley of Union City, and Joe Fraley of Battle Creek; his grandchildren, Mickeya, Josylyn, Dillon (Lexie), Haley, Ava, Danielle, Emmett, , Nitia, Sydney, Skyler, and Dewayne, his great-grandchildren, Oaklyn, Ryan, Chase, and Presley; and his sister, Robin (Steve Donham) Fraley of Whitaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Fraley and son Dusty DeCair.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union City Booster Club, 430 St. Joseph Street, Union City, MI 49094.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, photos, and videos with the family.
Comments