Frank Jost, Jr.

Frank Fred Jost, Jr., 90, Jefferson City, passed away peacefully July 11, 2024, at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center with his loving granddaughter Michelle by his side.

He was born Sept. 8, 1933, to the late Frank F. Jost, Sr. and Flossie Lee (Lam) Jost in St. Louis.

He was united in marriage to Linda Louise Chicowlas July 10, 1954, at the Naval Air Technical Training Center Memphis in Millington, Tenn.

Frank graduated from Bourbon High School in 1951 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was a member of his recruit class’s honor platoon and was the only non-commissioned officer on the faculty staff in the aircraft maintenance school. Frank attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Southeast Missouri University and Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Frank retired after 28 years of service in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, serving as the State Coordinator for Disability Determinations.

He was baptized and raised in the Lutheran faith, and also was a long-time supporter of St. George Catholic Church in Linn and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek. Frank was a 50-plus-year member of the American Legion Paul Hasenbeck Post #317 and Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri, serving as secretary for the Linn Lodge No. 66 for many years before it merged with Jefferson No. 43 AF & AM, in Jefferson City.

He loved learning and teaching and believed in duty and service. Although he started out as a biology teacher, he soon became Linn High School’s first guidance counselor and went on to implement the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Frank served the City of Linn as an Alderman for six years, was Mayor for seven years, and was a strong advocate and teacher for Linn State Technical College in its infancy.

He and Linda also enjoyed many years in the Loose Creek and Bonnots Mill communities and especially enjoyed taking his family to the various area parish picnics and fall festivals.

He raised cattle for almost two decades and loved working on his farm, while caring for his beloved animals and pets. Frank and Linda also loved to travel. Together, they spent 20 winters in Texas and he always felt blessed that he was able to visit 48 states and multiple countries. Spending time with family and friends fishing, camping and boating on the Gasconade and Osage Rivers were some of their favorite pastimes. Frank loved to tinker on tractors, had a passion for reading, enjoyed gardening, and was a devoted Mizzou fan.

For 69 years, family was everything to him and he was so proud of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by loving wife of  66 years, Linda; parents, Frank, Sr. and Flossie; son Ron; daughter, Melissa; daughter-in-law Vickie; son-in-law, Daniel Creach; mother- and father-in-law, Edward and Mary Chicowlas; brother, Ferrel Jost; sister and brother-in-law, Drucilla and Blair Moore; and brother-in-law, Steven Grimes.

He is survived by son, Randy and wife Vickie; daughter-in-law, Donna and husband Ron, son-in-law, Randy Helmig and wife Melissa and daughter, Cindy Ruether and husband Gary; grandchildren, Tom Jost and wife Hope, Halie Oyler and husband Dan, Brad Jost and wife Janelle, Emelia Torres and husband Adam, Greg Jost and husband Austin, Chelsea Inman and husband Ben, Cari Helmig, Christine Berg and husband Josh, Nathan Helmig and wife Courtney, Casandra Helmig, Michelle Hirschman and husband Kyle and Samantha Ruether; 12 great-grandchildren; brother- and sister-in-laws Bill and Nancy Chicowlas, Jim and Joanne Taylor, Marge Chicowlas and friend Steven Grimes and Greg and Elaine Schuch; along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A Masonic Service will be held at 5 p.m. with visitation to follow from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.  Private entombment will be held Thursday, July 18, with the Rev. Ignazio Medina officiating, in Riverview Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions suggested to the Marine Corps League or Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements entrusted to Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com