Samuel Franklin Morast III

Samuel Franklin “Frank” Morast, III passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2025.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 6, 2025 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7211 Britton Dr, Columbus, GA 31904 with Pastor Chuck Hasty officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Frank was born August 29, 1960 in Columbus, Georgia, the son of the late Kathleen King Morast and Samuel Franklin Morast Jr. He was a lifelong resident of Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School and later graduated from Georgia Southwestern. He is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Wright Morast (Bob Bentele) of Overland Park, Kansas and Graham Morast Wade (Bubba) of Salem, Alabama. Special thanks to his long- time caregiver Mama Bouvier of Columbus, Georgia and many loving friends. Frank had many passions with those most important to him included his career with the Hospital Authority of Columbus, his love of hunting and fishing, his collection and expertise of American Indian Relics, and the love of food.

Frank worked for 36 years with the Columbus Consolidated Government with the majority (26 Years) as President of the Hospital Authority of Columbus. Frank recognized the need for new and better care for the elderly and disabled in the Columbus community and led the Hospital Authority in the construction of new facilities for rehabilitation and skilled nursing, increasing the capacity for care and becoming the largest caregiver of the elderly in Muscogee County. Frank’s passion for hunting and fishing was endless with many friends and leading him across the country and other countries mastering the skills in both areas. He adored teaching the old and the young and sharing his knowledge with others. Frank was a 3rd generation Indian relic artifact collector and expert in the field as recognized in Who’s Who in American Indian Relics. Throughout his life, he could be found hunting for artifacts, attending shows across the country, and building his collection. He mentored many to develop a broader network of collectors.

Frank had a great sense of humor and was always enjoying telling jokes and having fun. Otherwise, he was a man of few words. He showed his love of friends, family, and co-workers through the cooking and giving of food. He was known for large BBQ cookouts, cooking at the holidays, and delivering an abundance of in-season produce to friends and family. It is the way he said I love you. Through all of Franks interests, he created many lifelong friendships he cherished. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Columbus and the Fish House Group.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society to represent the love he had for animals or a charity of your choice.