Frank Richard Sauter

Frank Richard Sauter, passed away on May 17, 2020 at the age of 95. Frank was born on October 24, 1924 in Cuba, Missouri. Frank was the oldest, of four, son of Frank Stephen and Bertha Irene (Licklider). Frank was a decorated World War II veteran, a master trout fisherman, a devoted husband and great friend. Frank was born in Cuba, Missouri but relocated to Jennings, Missouri when he was young. He attended school at St. Jacoby Lutheran Church School in Jennings and received his high school diploma from Jennings Public Schools. Following high school, Frank was drafted to the United States Army during World War II. He attended basic training in Alabama and was then sent all over the United States for more intensive training. That training included specialized sniper training. He was part of a 12-man unit that trained in concealment and camouflage. He learned techniques in stalking, observation, map reading and precision marksmanship. Frank saw battle action in the Philippines, where he and his unit were tasked with clearing areas of snipers. While serving in the Philippines, he met General MacArthur. After the Japanese surrendered, Frank was sent to Yokohama, Japan to help clean up after the Atomic Bomb. He was chosen to be the leader of a 12 men unit to test the gas that the German’s were using. He had a scar on his arm where they tested this gas and was required to travel wherever the gas was being used. Frank returned to Missouri on February 15, 1946, where he was reunited with his soon to be bride, Ruth Ann. One year later, they were married, and they remained married until her death in March of 2000. The two of them laid down roots in St. Louis, where Frank worked for McDonnell Aircraft Corporation for 30 years. During the 1960’s, Frank worked on the actual Gemini I for NASA and was later the supervisor responsible for the building and overall project of Gemini II. After working on the Gemini project, he worked on fighter planes such as F-4's, F-15's and FA-18's. When potential buyers would come to buy these planes, Frank was also tasked with showing them a good time. He was given a membership to the Playboy Club and was assigned his own Playboy Bunny. The dignitaries were always happy to go the Playboy Club. After many years, of marriage, Frank’s beloved wife, Ruth Ann, passed away in March of 2000. Later on, while vacation in Branson, Missouri, Frank was waiting to board the “Branson Belle,” when he met Mattie Morgan. Mattie was visiting Branson with a church group. The two of them ended up on the same boat ride and had a chance to get better acquainted. After the trip was over, Frank later visited Mattie in Shawnee and the couple was married seven months later. Both Frank and Mattie enjoyed traveling so the couple traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Yellowstone National Park and multiple Caribbean Cruises. Frank was an avid fisherman and master woodcarver. He enjoyed making his own fly-fishing lures. He particularly enjoyed trout fishing. Frank lived a wonderful life, caring for those he loved and taking time to enjoy the many passions he had. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ruth Sauter, one sister, Annabell and two brothers, Kenneth Sauter and Victor Sauter, daughter-in-law Debbie Morgan and stepsons Charlie (Digger) and Kenny Morgan. Frank is survived by his wife, Mattie Sauter; niece, Lois Wyman and husband George; stepson, Danny Morgan and wife, Treasure; stepdaughter, Dottie Watson and husband David; grandchildren, Vanessa Mitchell and husband Joe, Zac Morgan and wife, Maegan Morgan, Danielle Smith and her husband Cole, Robert Morgan and wife Mellisa; and Dylan Morgan; great grandchildren, Riley, Caleb, Austin and Easton Fesler; Layla and Ethan Morgan; and Charlie Mae Morgan. As well as two nephews. An inurnment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Lemay, Missouri at a later date.