Louis O'Melville Frost Jr.

FROST Louis O'Melville Frost Jr., 76, passed through the heavenly gates on January 16, 2008 after an extended illness. Born in New York, New York on September 19, 1931 to Louis O. Frost, Sr., and Emma Marie Lempke. He lived in New York, Miami and eventually settled in Jacksonville. He graduated Valedictorian from Landon High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He received his BSBA degree from the University of Florida in 1953 and his Juris Doctor degree from UF in 1958. He was an avid Gator fan. A Veteran, he was a 1st LT. in the U.S. Army 1st Infantry division, serving during the Korean Conflict. He began private law practice in 1958. In 1959 he joined the County Solicitors office under Edward Booth. He was appointed First Assistant Public Defender in 1963, and was elected as the Public Defender in 1968. He held that office until his retirement in 2005. Mr. Frost was a Master Mason, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Jester. He was a member of the Morocco Shrine Temple, where he served as Potentate in 1987. His career and Fraternal Life was decorated with many appointments and various awards. He was an active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. He was previously a member of St. Johns Cathedral. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Babette Frost Flowers. Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Shirley Bush Frost, his son, Louis O. Frost, IV, both of Jacksonville; his daughter Deborah Frost Howell (Dale) and 4 grandsons, Anthony, Christopher, Benjamin, and Matthew Howell, all of Bella Vista, Arkansas. He is also survived by four first cousins, Dr. Mark M. Frost (Tommye), Jacque Frost Ganzel, Barbara Frost Woolfe, and John W. Frost (Terry). Pallbearers will be George Ferber, Dorsey Carroll, John Southwood, Bill White, Jim Dotson, John Kalil, C. Ray Greene, III, David DeCiantis, Bill Sistaire and Larry Osborne. Honorary Pallbearers will be all members past and present of the Public Defenders Office, Morocco Shrine Temple, The Royal Order of the Jesters Court #90, all Free Masons everywhere, K.A. Fraternity Brothers past and present, all those who are serving or have served this great country (Military and Civilian), and anyone whose life Mr. Frost may have touched. God Bless you all. The family will receive friends Monday from 5-8 PM at George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4747 Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Tuesday January 22, at the St. Johns Cathedral, 256 East Church Street, with The Rev. Dr. Richard M. Turk and The Rev. Davette L. Turk officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., with full Masonic rights, under the direction of Worshipful Wilmer Atwell. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to: The Morocco Shrine Children's Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 16039, Jacksonville, FL 32245. The family wishes to thank everyone for their unselfish show of love and support, including the men and women of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com