Carlton "Butch" Fraker

1942 - 2026

Carlton "Butch" Fraker

06/01/1942 - 03/07/2026

Carlton R. Fraker, known to family as "Butch," passed away in Florida at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare hospital on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, to Carlton, Sr. and Cora Fraker on June 1, 1942, he moved with his family to Wauseon, Ohio, where he attended school. Following his graduation from Wauseon High School in 1961, he began a long career at GM Powertrain in Toledo. He married Karen Lee Wyse in 1962, and they made their home in Toledo.

During his tenure at GM, Carl attended the University of Toledo to become a skilled-trades machine repairman. While he and Karen raised their two sons in West Toledo, Carl discovered a passion for the skies. Inspired by his father-in-law's interest in private aviation, Carl became a licensed pilot in 1969. To pursue his love of flying, he began building a Mustang II single-engine airplane in the mid-1970s. This 14-year labor of love included the conversion of a 1962 Buick V-8 automobile engine to power the airplane.

In 2000, a malfunction caused him to land "short of the runway." Though his skill kept the plane intact, it was no longer airworthy. Carl gathered the working instruments and stepped away from the cockpit until a friend offered him the chance to finish building a second Mustang II. Using his original instruments and a new engine, he completed the project and returned to the skies for many years, eventually buying out his partner at age 79! In 2025, he enjoyed his final flight before selling the plane to a younger aviation buff who relocated it to Georgia. Throughout his life, Carl built deep, lasting friendships within the aviation community and at local small airports. Most recently, he took great pride in mentoring a fellow pilot as she built her own Mustang.

Beyond his mechanical genius, Carl was a "soft-hearted curmudgeon" who might grumble about the state of the world while simultaneously dropping everything to help a friend. His helpfulness was most evident in the way he made sure every voyage on Karen's boat, Kilo Foxtrot Bravo, was safe, and in their legendary "pizza on the grill" dinners. He will especially be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family. His love for Karen was the bedrock of his life, and nothing brought him greater joy than watching his sons, Greg and Doug, and his granddaughters, Carly and Piper, navigate their own paths. Carl showed his love through action - whether it was turning a wrench, firing up the grill, or offering a helping hand - leaving behind a legacy of a generous spirit and a sharp wit.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jerry Fraker. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Karen; two sons, Gregory (Leigh) and granddaughters, Carly and Piper; and Douglas (partner Giuliana). Siblings, Barb Thourot and Larry Fraker (Mary), survive.

The family is deeply grateful to the doctors and nurses at Sarasota Memorial for their excellent care, and for hospice support provided at the end of Carl's life.

Memorial donations can be made to the Experimental Aircraft Association at www.eaa.org or an organization of the donor's choice.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May.