Jacob D. “Jack” Lite died on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2024, at the age of 96. He married the love of his life, Paula (née Tabachnik) in 1950, and they enjoyed a long and happy marriage for 64 years. Jack was the dear father and father-in-law of Dr. Donna (James) Jeffe, the late Andrea (James) Myles, and the late Dr. Howard Lite (Dr. Thuy-Lieu Vo); loving grandfather of Jennifer Jeffe (Timothy Lemen), Joel (Jennifer) Jeffe, Stephanie Myles (the late Daniel Williams), Dr. Carolyn (John) Versical, Dr. Thuy-Lan Lite (Dr. Gabriel Friedman), and Dr. Samuel J. Lite (Siofra Robinson); adoring great-grandfather of Carter, Tyler, Parker, and Eleanor Lemen, Flannery Myles-Williams, Lina Versical, and Levi and Noa Lite; son of the late Louis and Bertha Lite, brother of Joyce (the late Sam) Davis; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Jack grew up in north St. Louis, graduating from Beaumont High School in 1944. He attended college at Washington University in St. Louis, where he was a member of the ROTC, before leaving school to help his father run the family business, Tower Meat Company. He successfully managed the business until 1980, when they sold the business and retired.
Drafted in 1951 at the start of the Korean War, Jack became a devoted member of Post 644 of the Jewish War Veterans; at the time of his death, he was the oldest active member of Post 644. He held several local and state JWV leadership positions over a span of 64 years, including as Commander and, most recently, Judge Advocate of Post 644. He also was dedicated to ensuring the success of the Jewish Veterans Memorial Center of St. Louis. In addition, Jack was a member of other community organizations, including the St. Louis Missouri Grand Lodge No. 1 A.F. & A.M. (for 74 years), the Shriners, and a devoted volunteer for the Creve Coeur Police Department, engaging in various community events and activities.
He was a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth for 65 years, regularly attending Shabbat and High Holy Day services, even on Zoom, during and after the pandemic. Jack was also an avid fisherman, expert marksman, and unparalleled “BBQer” and connoisseur of meats. He will be remembered not only for his delicious BBQ sauce, but for his honesty, loyalty, and perfect comedic timing.
Graveside service Monday, November 18, 10:30 AM at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017. In lieu of flowers, donations to Evelyn’s House, Shriners Children’s St. Louis, Disabled Veterans, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com or more information.
BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
