First on SRN: Warren Renames Municipal Airport in Honor of Late Former Mayor and Businessman John B. Frazer Jr.

A group of people standing in front of a building.
From left to right: Aviation Commissioner Vernon Colvin, Mastin Frazer, Thomas Frazer, Maribeth Frazer, Council member Dorothy Henderson, Council member Joel Tolefree, Council member Emily Moseley, Lewis Frazer, Council member Memory Burks-Frazer, Council member Latanza Atkins, Aviation Commissioner Bryan Martin, and Warren Mayor Gregg Reep

WARREN, Ark. – The City of Warren held a dedication ceremony Wednesday morning, officially renaming its airport the Warren Municipal Airport–John B. Frazer Jr. Field in honor of the late John B. Frazer Jr., a longtime mayor, businessman, and aviation advocate whose leadership helped bring the airport into existence.

Two women standing next to a blue and yellow banner.

A crowd of approximately 50 people gathered at the airport south of town to commemorate the occasion and celebrate Frazer’s legacy. Frazer served as mayor of Warren from 1975 to 1986, during which time he was instrumental in developing key infrastructure projects, including the city airport. He was also an avid pilot, known for flying his twin-engine Beechcraft Baron, and his passion for aviation deeply influenced the airport’s development and growth.

Mayor Gregg Reep opened the ceremony with a welcome and introduction of local officials and members of the Warren Aviation Commission. Former Mayor and current Aviation Commission member Bryan Martin spoke on behalf of the commission, highlighting Frazer’s pivotal role in not only the airport’s history, but also the broader progress of the Warren community.

Members of the Frazer family were present for the event, including Frazer’s widow, Maribeth Frazer; his sons, Lewis Frazer and Thomas Frazer; and his grandson, Mastin Frazer. The family addressed attendees with heartfelt thanks to the City of Warren for the honor. They noted that the land on which the airport now sits was originally donated by the Frazer family–further cementing the deep connection between the family and the site.

Frazer’s impact reached beyond aviation. As a respected businessman and civic leader, he played a lasting role in shaping Warren’s growth and development over the course of decades. His work laid a foundation for continued investment in the community, and his influence is still felt today.

The new name has been officially approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and new signage has been installed at the airport to reflect the designation.

With this dedication, Warren pays tribute to a man whose vision and leadership helped lift the city–both figuratively and literally–into a new era of progress.

More photos from the event:

Want to submit a story or news tip?
Email [email protected]

Other South Arkansas News