Harold Garfield Brost

Hal was born on June 29, 1938 in Lincoln, NE the son of Rev. Carl and Dina Brost. He was the middle of 3 sons. The oldest was Ruben and the youngest was Robert. Being a preacher’s son, his family moved frequently. In addition to his birthplace, he grew up in Fort Collins Colorado, Portland Oregon, Lodi California, and Yankton South Dakota.

In 1956 he graduated from high school in Yankton and was granted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He graduated as part of the second graduating class of the academy in 1960.

Upon graduating pilot training in 1961, Hal began his flying career as an F-100 fighter pilot. He served in Viet Nam as a Forward Air Controller and executed many positions of increased responsibility as a pilot and commander.

During his 21 years of service, he was very proud of the different seasons he spent as a USAF Academy instructor and professor of economics and management.

On September 23 of 1978, Hal’s journey was beautifully interrupted by the courtship and marriage of the love of his life, Elizabeth (Libby) Brost. A week after their marriage, they moved to Korea on assignment for one year, and shortly after that, Hal retired from the USAF in 1981 while they lived in Dayton, Ohio. His honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal for Valor.

Upon retirement Hal pursued a career in the Aerospace industry, where he used his gifts in mathematics and economics to further his love of flight.

This new season of life allowed Hal to prioritize his role as a father and husband. He had a very specific love language. He was always willing to sacrifice his desires for the needs of those he loved. Whether from near or far, the love he had for his wife and children was a gift that will continue to bear fruit.

For so long, Hal knew the location of home as a very temporary thing, until he and Libby called Ohio home from the late 70’s through the 80’s, then Mansfield, TX from 1989-2020. Only recently did they move to Highland Village, TX in July of 2020.

Hal has always had a passionate love for singing. Whether it be in the USAF Academy Choir or with his local church, Hal had a voice that blessed many. The First United Methodist Church of Mansfield is he and Libby’s faithful place of worship where they grew in their relationship with Jesus though serving, bible studies, home group and the Sunday Gathering.

While stewarding a career and his family. Hal still found time to play golf, trade stocks and follow every DFW sports team faithfully. Those were all activities that he truly loved.

Hal will always be remembered for his service, his intelligence, his wisdom, his kindness, his humility and his joy. But for many who were very close to him, they will remember this distinguished warrior for his silliness. There was no one like Hal Brost.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Carl and Dina Brost and his brothers Ruben and Robert Brost. He is survived by his wife Libby Brost, his daughter Liz Brost, his sons Randy Brost and wife Ellen Soisson, James and wife Jennifer Brost, and Matt and wife Jessica Brost. His seven grandchildren, Drew Brost (26), Ryan Brost (24), Cambria Peterson (20), Cole Brost (14), Delaney Brost (13), Layla Brost (11), and Izzy Brost (9) and many other relatives and friends.