Wilbert "Bert" H. Drost Jr.

Wilbert “Bert” H. Drost, Jr. 84, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Southaven, MS. A visitation will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a celebration of life immediately following at 1:00 p.m., all at Glenn’s Chapel Church (8235 Hwy 301 N, Lake Cormorant, MS). Interment will follow in Indian Creek Cemetery (2481 Indian Creek Road, Brighton, TN). Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven (626 Star Landing Road East, Southaven, MS 38672) is in charge of arrangements. Bert was a man whose life was defined by hard work, unwavering devotion to his family, and a heart that was always willing to help others. His remarkable work ethic began in childhood, when he would catch red-eared turtles and sell them to local restaurants and pet stores. That entrepreneurial spirit and determination remained with him throughout his life. As a husband and father, Bert was deeply committed to providing for those he loved. While raising his children, he worked as many as three jobs to ensure his family had everything they needed. Long before becoming a father, he stepped into that role for his own brother and sisters after his father left the family, helping to raise and guide his siblings with strength, sacrifice, and love. He was a father figure not only to his own children but to many others whose lives he touched. Bert enjoyed a long career as a manager with St. Joe Box Company, where he was respected for his leadership, strong work ethic, and exceptional skill as a corrugator. Gifted with his hands, there was little he couldn't build, repair, or improve. A biblical and traditional man, Bert lived according to his faith and values. He believed in honesty, responsibility, and caring for his family above all else. He was known for his generosity and was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Although he worked hard, Bert also knew how to enjoy life. He loved spending time fishing and never passed up a great meal, especially if it included oysters, crab, lamb chops, or a perfectly cooked steak. Blessed with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, he loved telling jokes and making others laugh. Outgoing and friendly, Bert truly never met a stranger. His warm personality and genuine interest in people made everyone feel like a friend. Above all, Bert loved his family. His greatest joy came from providing for them, spending time with them, and watching them grow. His legacy is one of faith, hard work, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love—a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jackie Cooper Drost of Lake Cormorant, MS; his four sons, Brian (Anneata) Drost of Swifton, AR, Robert (Angela) Drost of Southaven, MS, Jonathan (Kim) Drost of Prosper, TX, and Bobby (McKenzie) Lewis of Horn Lake, MS; his two daughters, Jessica (Michael) Wheeler of Bartlett, TN and Caitlin Lewis of Crenshaw, MS; his three sisters, Linda Drost Hernandez of Port St. Lucie, Louann (Wayne) Gates of Perth Amboy, NJ, and Rita (Peter) George of New Jersey; eighteen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter; many friends, his church family; a host of nieces and nephews; cousins; and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife of first wife of 41 years, Jeanne A. Drost; his parents, Wilbert Drost Sr. and Margaret Ackerman and his brother Gene (Carol) Drost. Memorial contributions, in Berts’s honor, may be made to Glenn’s Chapel Church (https://www.glennschapel.org/). Expressions of condolences may be shared on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomesh.com.

Wilbert "Bert" H. Drost Jr.

March 12, 1942 - July 12, 2026

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