David Wayne Frost's Obituary
David Wayne Frost, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, church and community leader, passed away January 21, 2025, in Longview, Texas, at the age of 89.
Wayne was born in a farmhouse near Itasca, Texas, in 1935 to Henry Franklin Frost and Lena Mae Pierce Frost. For many years, the family farmhouse remained in view of what is now I-35W, a nostalgic landmark. At the age of two, his family moved to the Rio Grande Valley, where he spent his formative years. As a teenager, he worked in a local grocery store and as a volunteer firefighter along side his father.
Wayne graduated from Edinburg High School, and then pursued higher education at Pan American Regional College and Texas Tech University where he earned a degree in petroleum engineering in 1958. His interest in civic service began when he was elected president of Doak Hall while at Tech. He was a life long Red Raider fan, always loving to wear the red and black!
Following graduation, Wayne served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. While stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, he met Freida Hamilton Strauss, his “Georgia Peach.” They married on December 29, 1959, embarking on a 65-year journey of love and devotion.
Wayne began his 31-year career with Sun Oil Company as a petroleum engineer spending significant time in the Rio Grande Valley, Longview, Texas, and finishing his career as Operations Manager in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Outside of his profession, he dedicated his time to the community and family. Wayne coached Little League baseball, church basketball and despite never playing soccer himself, he stepped up to coach the sport when the YMCA first introduced it to Longview in the 1970s. He also served on the Girls Softball Board of Directors. A committed civic leader, Wayne served on the Pine Tree ISD School Board and later on the Longview City Council for nine years. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Caddo Hunting and Fishing Club.
Wayne and Freida had a special connection to Baylor University having had their three children graduate from the school. They became affiliated with a number of Baylor organizations being honored as Baylor Parents of the Year in 1990 and recognized on the field at halftime with their 3 children at Floyd Casey Football Stadium, Waco, Texas.
Wayne’s faith guided his life. He was a deacon and choir member at churches in McAllen, Edmond, and Longview. At First Baptist Church Longview, he taught 5th grade boys Sunday School, sang in the choir, committed his time to numerous church committees, and later served as the Director of Adult 5 Sunday School Department. He enriched the lives of those around him. Wayne’s life was a testament to faith, family, and selfless service.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Freida Frost; his brother, Charles “Buck” Frost; his children, Sharla Frost Struffolino (Mike), Shelly Frost Joseph (George Eric), and David Wayne Frost Jr. (Lyndy); and his nine cherished grandchildren: Sydney Joseph Brown (Collin) and their children Peyton, Mason, and Wade; Elizabeth Struffolino Buscher (Brett) and their daughter Lily; Sadie Joseph; Michael Struffolino; Victoria Frost; Lauren Struffolino; George Aaron Joseph; Caroline Frost; and David Anderson Frost.
A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Longview on Saturday January 25, 2025, at 10:00 am. After a reception at the church, burial with military honors will follow at Memory Park Cemetery at 12:30pm.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Longview-designated to the Missions Ministry, 209 E. South Street, Longview, Texas 75601 or a charity of your choice.
The Service will be live streamed at 10:00AM. to view please use the link below or copy and paste into your browser. Thank you
https://venue.streamspot.com/event/NTM5NTA2MQ==
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?
