Frank F Jost Jr.

Frank Fred Jost, Jr., 90, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully at SSM St. Mary's Health Center with his loving granddaughter Michelle by his side on July 11, 2024. He was born on September 8, 1933, in St. Louis, a son of the late Frank F. Jost Sr. and Flossie Lee (Lam) Jost. Frank was united in marriage to Linda Louise Chicowlas on July 10, 1954, at the Naval Air Technical Training Center Memphis in Millington, TN. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage together until Linda's passing in 2021.
Frank graduated from Bourbon High School in 1951 and proudly served his country in the United States 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. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Frank received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Southeast Missouri University and Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He retired after 28 years of service in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, serving as the State Coordinator for Disability Determinations.
Frank 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. He was a 50+ 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.
Frank 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. He 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. He 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 Frank and he was so proud of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his son, Randy (Vickie), daughter-in-law, Donna (Ron), son-in-law, Randy Helmig (Melissa), and daughter, Cindy Ruether (Gary); 12 grandchildren: Tom Jost (Hope), Halie Oyler (Dan), Brad Jost (Janelle), Emelia Torres (Adam), Greg Jost (Austin), Chelsea Inman (Ben), Cari Helmig, Christine Berg (Josh), Nathan Helmig (Courtney), Casandra Helmig, Michelle Hirschman (Kyle) and Samantha Ruether; 12 great-grandchildren; brother- and sister-in-laws Bill and Nancy Chicowlas; Jim and Joanne Taylor, Marge Chicowlas (Steven Grimes), and Greg and Elaine Schuch; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
In addition to his loving wife and parents, Frank was preceded in death by his 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.
A Masonic Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. with visitation to follow from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 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.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Marine Corps League or Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com