Jose Gerald French, Sr. was called home on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the age of 80.

Born August 23, 1943, to the union of Orvell and Mary French, Jose was a gregarious, unique, and caring individual, who touched the lives of all who knew him. Jose is preceded in death by his son and namesake, Jose Gerald “Joey” French, Jr., his father Orvell French, his mother Mary French Lewis, his stepfather Robert Lewis, Sr., his brothers George French, Lylbum French & Eric Lewis, and his sisters Yvonne French Stine & Michelann French.

Jose grew up in Carr Square Village- St. Louis, Missouri and was educated in St. Louis Public Schools. He attended Vashon High School, where he was on the tennis team and met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Charlotte Marie French (Brown), along with Bill Watkins (1945-2021), his best friend, best man, and future Godfather to his daughter, Nikole. With his creativity and ability to work with his hands, he also successfully completed carpenter apprentice classes at Hadley Vocational School.

After graduation and in between marrying Charlotte, he proudly served in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany and with all of Europe a train ride away, his thirst for travel was awakened.

Once back Stateside, Jose went on to pursue higher education at Washington University (WashU) in St. Louis, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Beginning his career as a draftsman, Jose continued to grow within the industry and worked at various companies, including Monsanto. He also contributed to the advancement of future engineers, as an instructor at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park.

Eager to broaden his horizons, Jose packed up his wife, daughter & son, and left his hometown, for greener pastures. He first landed in Dearborn, Michigan (Ford Motor Company). Then he made his way down South to New Orleans, Louisiana (The Thacker Construction Co.), and then Atlanta, Georgia, where he managed high-profile construction projects for Parsons Brinckerhoff and other engineering consulting firms. Ultimately, he was able to hang out his own shingle, opening Jose French & Associates, Inc., and served as a minority contractor for the Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant project.  Along the way, his desire to help the next person, led him to return to the classroom again at DeKalb Technical College, now known as Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC).

After spending over 25 years traveling the United States, building his career, and raising his children, Jose returned home to be closer to his family and friends in St. Louis. As the saying goes, the magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, but it feels even better to come back!

His vibrant personality and descriptive storytelling, while smoking his pipe, will be missed! He had a love for architecture, photography, travel, luxury cars, Lionel Trains, classic movies, and good music, especially Dionne Warwick, and Johnny Mathis! Once an avid chess player, in his later years, B-I-N-G-O was his game. Although, in declining health, he still had a twinkle in his eye. His beautiful hazel eyes vividly expressed the love he had for his family and loved ones, even when he could no longer speak.

Jose will forever be loved and remembered by his daughter, Nikole Marie French. He is also survived by his one true love, Charlotte, his brothers Orvell French, Robert Lewis, Jr. (Kathy), Byron Lewis (Renita), Darryl Lewis & Jacque French, and his sisters Christine Lewis, Nola Mostyn & Jeanine Adams, along with a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in law, extended family, and friends.

The family thanks the many caregivers, who lovingly cared for Jose throughout this past year.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.