Frank Scott Jr.'s Obituary
Born in St. Louis, Mo, Frank was the third child born to the union of Ruby E. Scott and Frank Scott, Sr. and was the son Frank always wanted. Born as Rueben Winfield, his name was changed to Frank Jr., sometime after the name “Winfield” had already stuck with friends and family.
As a child he was silly and adventurous and had no fear. He was very curious, always looking to explore. His older sisters often say, “he was bad as hell!”. Quite the jokester, Frank was always playing tricks on his sisters, is older ones in particular.
Frank attended Arlington Elementary School, and then attended Soldan High School. Frank was always a bright student and scholar, graduating from high school at 16. He attended Forest Park Community College for two years until his “official” graduation from Soldan in 1970. He even competed on Scholar Quiz, a local game show for area high schoolers in the late 60s. Frank received scholarships from many Ivy league universities, and ultimately settled on Harvard. He graduated from Harvard with a degree in German studies in 1977 and attended graduate school at Stanford University.
Frank never lost his passion for education and was proud of his nieces and nephews and their educational successes. He loved spending time with them and advising them on college papers, dissertations, and presentations. He was tough—always making sure they did the work but that they understood their path and walked away feeling confident in their work.
Frank had many interests through the years. He was an avid tennis player, loved the game of chess, African dance, and was a world traveler, visiting Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. Always aware of the black struggle, in the 70s, he followed the teachings of Malcolm X, Huey Newton and Angela Davis, and shared his knowledge and understanding with his siblings.
Frank had a wonderful singing voice, performing at a number of clubs, coffee houses and other venues in the late 70s. He was always active in cultural activities, being presented a Community Service Award from the Cultural and Ethnic Affairs Guild in Oakland, Ca.
Frank’s professional career focused on the Information Technology arena, working for many years as a technical writer, a copy editor and most recently a business analyst.
It was heartbreaking for his friends and family to watch a neurological condition steal his last few years from him, which forced him to live in a nursing home. But through his fog, he remained kind, cheerful, witty and the same smart-ass he has always been! Frank would always say; “I feel like I am well taken care of.” His sisters are proud of their efforts to make him happy and comfortable through his final days. His caregivers often said that Frank was the consummate gentleman.
His biggest joy of late was enjoying food! When his sisters would visit, they’d bring him one of his favorite orders: 2 thighs, mashed potatoes and green beans from KFC; an order of ribs from Bandana’s; 3 cheeseburgers and a large coffee from White Castle; a vanilla shake from anywhere, and any and all sweets. And coffee—oh how he loved his hot coffee!
In August, his sisters threw him a 70th birthday party and it was all they hoped for. Frank had a lovely day, surrounded by family, good friends, good food and Motown.
Before his passing, he spent the last week with all of his siblings by his side, celebrating him and loving each other.
Frank is survived by his four sisters; Francine Henley, Gail Roberts, Marsha Robinson (Henry), Courtney Simms Zaegel (John), and a host of nieces and nephews (far too many to name!)
Celebrating The Life Of
Frank Scott, Jr.
Friday, December 9, 2022
The Center on Vandevender
320 N Vandventer
St. Louis, MO 63108
10AM Buddhist Prayer Service
11AM Tributes, Celebration & Song
Repast and more Celebration, immediately following
NO FLOWERS PLEASE.
Memorial Tributes in Franks honor should be made in his name to:
Food Outreach https://foodoutreach.org/donate-to-food-outreach/
and/or
Doorways https://doorwayshousing.org/get-involved/individuals/tributes/
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?