LtCol Simon Jasen

A Funeral Mass for Frank S. Jasen Sr., LtCol USAF, Ret., 91, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church with Reverend Stan Swiderski, as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Rosary at 7 p.m., Monday, April 16, at Kirby Funeral Home Chapel. Frank passed away April 10, 2012, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He was born May 21, 1920, in Dorchester, MA., the son of Lithuanian emigrants Simon and Anna Jasenauckas. He married Elizabeth Grace on June 6, 1952, at St. Louis, MO and was a Retired LtCol in the United States Air Force. Frank was a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam having worked on space research and missile defense systems throughout the Cold War era. His projects, such as the Titan IIIC Rocket and Orbital Vehicle Satellite designed to study the radiation belts surrounding the earth?s atmosphere helped instill a sense of wonder in his children leading them to become Business Mangers and Engineers. Our Dad led a constantly mobile life being transferred from the east to west coasts or from the north to the south. His active life was guided by simple yet strong principles and sage advice - if something is worth doing, then do it well and do it right the first time, measure twice, cut once and treat others as you expect to be treated. Dad was skilled with a metal lathe and woodworking and liked to build things. He could fix most anything mechanical having an innate ability to diagnose and repair motors and electronics. He studied hard, often staying up late at night to ensure he was current on his work for the next day. He instilled in all of us a strong work ethic to do better and excel at all our tasks. Along with our Mom, these principles helped to maintain a robust and supportive family atmosphere. He loved his dog, Frosty teaching the dog simple rituals to be fed. Dad enjoyed growing orchids and despite his diligent care often commented his tropical plants thrived on benign and benevolent neglect. There is one orchid, Blc. Frank Jasen, named in his honor. Frank lived in Mountain Home, Arkansas since 1977 moving from Vandenberg AFB, CA. Frank was a life member of the Power Squadron having achieved in excess of 25 years meritorious and distinguished service culminating in the educational rank of Junior Navigator and serving as past District Lt. Commander of D16. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Ozark VFW post # 3246, Alley-White American Legion Post #52, the Power Squadron and the American Orchid Society. Frank is survived by his sister Ann Sage of Framingham, MA, two sons; Frank (Maria) Jasen Jr. of Hunt Valley, MD, and William (Emilia) Jasen of Richland, WA; one daughter; Olivia (Steven) Richmond of Bellevue, WA; six grandchildren; Frank (Kelley Ann) III, Andrea, Andriana & Daniella Jasen and Nathan and Andrew Richmond and one great grandson Aidan Fisher (Andriana). He was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife, Elizabeth Jasen. Entombment will be in the Kirby's Tucker Memorial Mausoleum with Frank Jr., Bill and Frank III Jasen as pallbearers. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Ozark V.F.W. Post #3246 Post #3246 Honor Guards. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels or Wounded Warriors. Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services.