B. Jack Light, 84, Linn, was received into the hands of his Heavenly Father Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Sept. 28, 1939, to the late Rupert and Hallen (Porter) Light in Rolla.
He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Frances Wilson Aug. 29, 1964, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.
Raised on a Rolla dairy farm and later became a lifelong resident of Linn, Jack was a 1957 graduate of Rolla High School where he proudly served as vice president of the South-Central District in State Future Farmers of America. He attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Chemistry from the University of Missouri in Columbia and then a Master of Science with a Major in Nuclear Chemistry from the School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla.
Jack began his 41-year teaching career at Linn Technical College in 1964, chairing the Mathematics Department for over 25 years.
He served his city as an alderman for the Linn City Council, his community as a member of Linn Lions Club and his parish, St. George Catholic Church, as a Council member, president of St. George School Board, and lector. Jack also developed several real estate projects in Linn.
He will be truly missed as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. Jack was an avid sports enthusiast who loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, University of Missouri Tigers, but most of all cherished attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events with his wife by his side. In addition to sports, he was an avid John Deere tractor and Corvette enthusiast.
Jack dedicated his life to his family. His kind soul, tender heart and welcoming smile never knew a stranger. Faith in God was an important part of his life and he instilled the same in his three children.
He was preceded in death by parents, Rupert and Hallen; brother, Ted Light of San Antiono,Texas; and son-in-law, Walt Fischer of Jefferson City.
Jack is survived by loving wife of 59 years, Mary Frances of Linn; children, Stacia Fischer of Jefferson City, Scott Light and wife Kelly of Chattanooga,Tenn., and Shelley Klebba and husband Tom of Linn; brother, Don Light and wife Jeannie of Prosper, Texas; and grandchildren, Dalton Light of Chattanooga, Tenn., Dillon Light of Atlanta, Ga., Wilson, Kenedy and Wyatt Fischer, all of Jefferson City and Jack and Karoline Klebba of Linn.
Visitation will be held from 9 until to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Catholic Church with Fr. Colin Franklin officiating. Interment will be in the St. George Parish Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. George Catholic School or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
