Michael Evans Frazier

Michael Evans Frazier went to be with the Lord on Monday, the 5th of November 2018. Mike was born to Margaret and L.E. Frazier, Jr. on the 12th of November 1949 in Houston, the first of six sons. He attended Briargrove Elementary School, T.H. Rogers Junior High School and Robert E. Lee Senior High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. It was during this time that Mike also developed his love for music, especially rock and roll. He played bass guitar with the Coachmen and the Moving Sidewalks, two popular local Houston bands. Mike went on to Southern Methodist University for one year before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, from which he graduated with a BBA in Finance. While at UT, Mike was an active member of Phi Delta Theta and the Silver Spurs, where he was chairman of the Bevo Committee. With Bevo in hand, he had a sideline pass for two Longhorn National Championships, including the epic Game of the Century win over Arkansas in December of 1969 in Fayetteville.

After graduation, Mike began his business career as a stockbroker with Rotan Mosle in Houston, which ultimately became Paine Webber, where he gravitated to institutional sales and trading. In 1985, Mike left Paine Webber to help form LEMARCO, Ltd., a Frazier family owned energy company that was the dream of his dad after his retirement from his law career. With Mike at the helm of LEMARCO, his leadership qualities became obvious and his path for the future was set. Mike joined Simmons & Company International as a partner in 1992 where he designed and developed a new sales, trading, and research department. This was the start of an illustrious career with Simmons that culminated in Mike serving as President and CEO. His leadership not only led to tremendous success, but also fostered an amazing culture that endures to this day. Mike became a director of Piper Jaffray following its acquisition of Simmons in 2016.

Mike served as a member of the board of directors of Memorial Hermann Hospital System, the board of directors of NOW inc., the board of trustees of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the board of visitors of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the board of directors of Energy Opportunities Capital Management. He was a longtime member of Houston Country Club where he also served twice on the board of directors and was a past president.

Mike is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife Beverly and his precious daughter Colby Frazier Martin, stepchildren Ned Holmes, Jr. and Berkeley Downie (Jason), and his five grandchildren: Christopher Holmes and Sam, Michael, Malcolm, and Vivian Downie, who all affectionately call him Papa. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives; Greg (Jeannie), Bob (Michelle), David (Melanie), Paul (Pam) and Joe (Claire), as well as his cousins, many nephews and nieces, and their offspring.

Mike lived his life to the fullest in every sense. His days were full of abundant love, uproarious laughter, and quiet faith in his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. He was fair, honest and always looking out for everyone’s best interests. He moved through life with humor, ease and grace. He was a magnetic force who drew people together from all walks of life. He could tell a story like no other, give advice on any situation, and just make life easier for all who knew him. Not only was he a great husband, son, brother, father, and grandfather, he was a terrific friend to so very many. He was truly extraordinary and a great role model for all of us, especially his grandchildren. His loss is deeply felt but his legacy will endure, and he will be with us forever.

Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Michael during a reception to be held from one o’clock until three o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 11th of November, in the Lounge of Houston Country Club, 1 Potomac Drive in Houston.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’ clock in the morning on Monday, the 12th of November, in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, in Houston, where Rev. Bill Denham, is to officiate.

The family will gather for a private interment.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030-4009; or to the charity of one's choice.