Gaius J. Fraley

September 4, 1938 - January 26, 2022

Gaius J. Fraley, age 83, of China, passed away January 26, 2022. He was born September 4, 1938 in Columbus Twp. to the late Neil and Evelyn Fraley. Gaius left the family farm in Columbus Twp. as a youth to sail on the Great Lakes for 3 years with United States Steel Corporations. After this he started a 57 year career as a barber in St. Clair. He opened his own barber shop, Fraley Family Hair Styles, from 1985 till his retirement in 2018. Following retirement, Gaius was proud to be featured on the front page of the Detroit Free Press in a story about his career. On November 17, 1962 Gaius married Loretta Meyers and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Gaius was an avid golfer and was better known as “Turf” in his golf circles. He and Loretta enjoyed 30 years of golfing up north with the Anderson and Dodea groups. Another circle of friends he enjoyed was the “Boat House Gang”, where he spent many hours. Gaius always looked forward going to his son Paul’s cabin with special friends, Jim and Cheryl Russell. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Clair Council #2251. Gaius is survived by his wife, Loretta Fraley; children, Jim (Paula), Paul (Carol) and Linda (Terry Wolff) Fraley; grandchildren, Joe, Sam (Samantha) and Tristan Fraley; siblings, Phyllis Schweiger, Frank (Mary) Fraley, Melanie Priehs, Denny (Joanne) Fraley, Richard (Marylou) Fraley, Alan Fraley, Cheryl (Jim) Russell and Steve (June) Fraley; sisters in law, Joyce, Christine and Phyllis Fraley and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by siblings, Gerald (Deloris) Fraley, Margurite (Jerry) Mugridge, Ken Fraley, Gene Fraley and Neil Fraley and brothers in law, Jim Schweiger and Charlie Priehs. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday January 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Clair. Visiting hours are Friday 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Memorials are suggested to K of C Council #2251. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com