Jason Howard Astel, 43, of De Soto died Nov. 7, 2025, in St. Louis, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the Heart Transplant ICU. At the time of his death, Mr. Astel was waiting for a heart transplant. He attended school at Jefferson R-7 and Crystal City High School. He loved spending time with his family. He worked in the family businesses but especially enjoyed working as a building maintenance supervisor. He loved riding his Harley and built his lowrider van. His favorite activity was to take his wife on the Harley for a ride to either the park or out for dinner. He was active in the “vertically challenged car club” with his one-of-a-kind, “bagged” and “lowered” air-ride minivan. He was also a master mason at Beacon Lodge 3 in Hazelwood. He was proud of the many times he spent in “Facebook jail” and enjoyed the sport of “trolling.” He will be remembered for his laughter and humor and for being there to help or assist a friend. Born Sept. 15, 1982, in St. Louis, he was the son of Arthur and Mary Astel of Pensacola, Fla.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife: Andrea Klump; three sons: Joshua (Arri) Astel of St. Louis, Collin Astel of De Soto and Tristan Astel of De Soto; a stepson: Trevor Johnson of Union; a granddaughter: Amelia Rose Astel; and many other family members and friends.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7, at the American Legion Hall, 849 American Legion Drive, in Festus. There will be a service at 3 p.m. and a Masonic service at 3:30 p.m., followed by bagpipers from the Scottish Rite. Visitation will extend through the evening with a “wake” for friends and family.