LaForrest John Bodine, 77, known affectionately by friends and family as ‘Frosty’, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Great Bend, Kan. He was born Sept. 13, 1948, at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend to John Durrell and Myron Alta (Jarvill) Bodine.
He was a member of the Great Bend High School graduating Class of 1967, where he was a star football player, jersey #39, and for decades held the State of Kansas javelin throwing record.
A man of immense heart, dedication, and service, Frosty lived a life defined by his love for his family and his unwavering commitment to his country.
A Life of Service and Craft - A proud veteran of the United States Army, Frosty served with honor as an E5 Sergeant during the Vietnam War. Before his Honorable Discharge, he was awarded numerous medals, ribbons and commendations, including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharp Shooter badge. His commitment to his brothers-in-arms didn’t end when he returned home; he was a staple of the veteran community, serving for many years as the Commander of VFW Post 3111 and Cooties. Whether he was leading a ceremony, standing guard at President Eisenhower’s tomb, cooking feasts for special events, or calling out numbers during the Sunday night Bingo games he loved so much, Frosty was a constant, friendly face at the Post. He was accompanied by his oldest daughter in 2018, Angelique, to participate in the Honor Flight to honor his fallen brothers.
Professionally, Frosty was a skilled Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter with Local 669 for over three and a half decades. He took great pride in his trade, a career that reflected his lifelong habit of protecting and providing for others. He continued serving others as a driver for the Senior Center.
The Master of the Outdoors - When he wasn’t at the VFW, Frosty could almost certainly be found outdoors. He was a master of his domain, whether he was meticulously mowing the lawn to perfection or tending to his garden. Forever an Eagle Scout, Frosty was an avid fisherman, camper and hunter, finding peace in nature and joy in the “great catch.” He loved his dogs as genuinely as his own family.
At home, Frosty reigned supreme as a master griller. His family will forever cherish the memories of him standing over the grill, sharing stories, and making sure no one ever left his presence hungry. He loved cooking in all its forms, especially teaching the younger generations how to make “Gramma’s Cinnamon Rolls.” He was the definition of “loving and caring,” a man who showed his affection through the work of his hands and the time he gave to those he loved most.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Ann (Davis) Bodine; children, Angelique Bodine of Manhattan, Robyn Weaver (Randy) of Great Bend, Tracy Bodine of Poplar Grove, Ill., Marisa Izaguirre of Ankeny, Iowa, Tabitha Castaneda (Juan) of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren, Eric Ceniti, Jr. (Emma), Jessica Carr (Jason Bitter), Malinda Creech (Connor), Britney Corp (Jonathan), Shelby Mason (Aareon), Aaliyah Castaneda, Hailey Castaneda, Audrey Weaver, Arian Castaneda, Adalynn Castaneda; great grandchildren, Aariea, Kreadence, Dakota ‘Kota’, Mason, Archer, Rowan, Amelia; siblings, Norman Dale Bodine, Norvil Dean Bodine (Nancy), LaDonna Bodine Williams (Orville), Becky Ann Bodine Adair (Mike); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Myrna Bodine Decker.
“A life well-lived is a legacy of love.”
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home with Chaplain Jeff Johnson presiding. Burial will follow at Golden Belt cemetery with military honors conducted by the Patriot Guard Riders, Fort Riley Honor Guard, and American Legion Post 180. Visitation is available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to Tunnels to Towers or American Lung Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 14, 2026
