Joe Lindell Frost

Dr. Joe L. Frost, (86), passed away on February 17, 2020 in Austin, Texas. He was born on March 25, 1933 in Parks, Arkansas to Louveda and Raleigh Pat Frost. Joe was a graduate of the University of Arkansas where he earned his doctorate in education. Joe met his wife, Betty in the “rec hall” on the campus of Connors Agricultural College in 1951. Joe saw Betty across the room, and they danced “nearly every dance until the 10:00 PM curfew.” Being the consummate gentleman, Joe walked Betty to her dorm and hurriedly asked her for a date before the curfew light blinked three times. Joe and Betty truly found love at first sight. Louveda helped Joe pick the engagement ring in Fort Smith, and they were married in Waldron in 1952. They welcomed their first daughter, Juanita (Nita) Frost in 1953, and their second daughter Terry Frost in 1956.

Joe was an expert in early childhood education, and specifically the field of play. He was a pioneer in the field who authored 18 books and multitudes of academic articles. He was a tenured faculty member at The University of Texas at Austin where he retired as the Parker Centennial Professor Emeritus after 34 years of service. He was instrumental in the design of playgrounds and playground safety and traveled the world teaching and advocating for children’s creative play in all forms. He was an expert witness at trials for children who sustained injury or died as a result of accidents on playgrounds. He fought against hot metal slides, entrapment areas, poorly installed equipment, and inadequate playground surfaces.

We, as his family, shared him with hundreds of others who loved him and were inspired by his work. When he retired, he and his buddies often met at McDonald’s for a senior coffee and a chat. He was active in his church community and made sure the children at Redeemer Lutheran School had the best and safest play equipment. He encouraged students, colleagues, and acquaintances to simply call him “Joe.” We called him “Dad,” “Pajoe,” and “JoJo.” He will be deeply missed.

Joe is survived by his wife and best friend of 68 years, Betty, daughters Nita (husband Tom) and Terry (husband Bill), grand-daughter Hailey (husband Blake), and great-grandson Bryce. Other family members include sister-in-law Ray Nell Frost, and nieces and nephews: Kimberly Zambrano (Jessie), Candice Frost, Frances Thiems, Cindi Ruckman (Bob), Bruce Frost Jr. (Tammy), Kevin Frost, and Larry Frost. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray and Bruce, and niece Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Redeemer Lutheran School

Betty Frost Scholarship Fund for Future Teachers and Ministers

or

US Play Coalition

263 Lehotsky Dr.

Clemson, SC 29634