After a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Jeffrey R Fraher, 64, of Owings, MD passed away in the early hours of May 17, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in 1962 in Fairbury, Illinois, Jeff spent much of his childhood on the Bergan family farm, where he learned the value of hardwork, humor and resilience. He attended Glenbard East High School before enlisting in the United States Army where he completed training, graduated as a Warrant Officer, and became an OH-58 helicopter pilot. He later earned a BS from Colorado Christian University in Organizational Management.

Jeff served from 1989-2019, spending 30 years on active duty. He flew both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft stationed in far away locations including South Korea and Ramstein, Wiesbaden, and Heidelberg, Germany. He deployed to Somalia during Operation Restore Hope, where he flew attack helicopters in Mogadishu during the notorious night later known as “Black Hawk Down.” For his actions under fire, where he earned an Air Medal with Valor, a testament to his courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers. After transitioning to fixed-wing, he flew all over the world to over 50 countries, including VIP missions through varied conditions with a perfect safety record. Throughout his distinguished service, Jeff earned numerous medals in recognition of his bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty to include the Legion of Merit, and numerous Air medals. After retiring from the Army in 2019, he continued doing what he loved, flying, as a Gulfstream pilot before transitioning to flight planning.

In 1990, Jeff married the love of his life, Tammie, and together they raised two children, Brianna and William. As a military family, they called many places home and traveled the world together, forming an unbreakable bond with every move, challenge and adventure. Jeff’s greatest joy was his family, and his children longed to see him become the extraordinary grandfather they knew he would be.

Jeff is preceded in death by his brother, Jon, his Uncle Mike, and his Uncle Jack. He is survived by his wife, Tammie; his children, Brianna (Mark) and William (Ava); his mother, Sue Ann; his brother, Robert (Anna); his sister, Jacque; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was dearly loved by all who knew him and is profoundly missed.

A visitation will be held at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, MD on Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at 9:30am. This will be followed by a traditional Catholic mass and funeral at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in North Beach, MD at 12pm. A reception will be held after the mass and then meet at Unauthorized Brewing in North Beach (a 5 minute walk from the church) for beer and comradery. Join us as we toast our fallen soldier, our beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend.

We invite you to share your stories, memories, and moments with Jeff. Hearing how he touched the lives of others brings us strength and keeps his spirit alive. Your memories mean more to us than you know. You can either share them here or bring them to the visitation.

In celebration of Jeff’s vibrant spirit, the family requests that guests wear a band T-shirt featuring their favorite 70’s era rock band, or a tie-dye T-shirt. Jeff believed it wasn’t truly a party until he arrived in one of his legendary shirts; we invite everyone to honor him in the same joyful way.

A formal military internment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place in late October, 2026, as scheduling allows for a full military honors funeral and flyover. The family will share the exact date and time upon confirmation.