Jason Douglas Salem

Jason Salem, age 55, of Columbia, Missouri, left this world on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center. Though his time with us feels far too short, Jason filled his days with warmth, laughter, curiosity, and an unwavering love for his family and friends.

Born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to Sharon Keller and Ronald Cowher, Jason was a bright and inquisitive child who grew into a thoughtful and passionate man. After attending school in Fulton and graduating from Fulton High School in 1987, Jason pursued his love of learning at Westminster College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics. He later continued his graduate studies at the University of Missouri, where he also built a meaningful career as a Linux Administrator.

More than his professional accomplishments, Jason will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, and spirited soul who brought joy. On November 25, 1995, Jason married the love of his life, Louise Yonke, and together they created a life full of laughter, support, and adventure. Their daughter, Aeryn, was the light of his life, and his love for her knew no bounds.

Jason was a man of many passions. He had an extraordinary imagination and a playful spirit that came alive through role-playing games, board games, video games, and painting miniatures. A true storyteller at heart, he found joy in fantasy, science fiction, especially Star Wars—and the immersive worlds he could build with others. His sense of humor was unmatched: witty, sharp, and sometimes delightfully silly. He was the kind of person who could make anyone feel at ease, and his laughter was contagious.

An avid animal lover, Jason had a special place in his heart for cats, especially his beloved companion Malachi. His gentle nature extended to everyone around him, from friends and coworkers to the many bonus children he welcomed into his life as family. His home was a safe haven, filled with warmth, and acceptance.

Jason is survived by his wife Louise; his daughter Aeryn; bonus children; Ethan Yonke, James Dreiss, Tyler McCutchen, Joey Walch, Colton O’Neal, Sidney Binder and Jacob Nelson; his half-sisters Nadia Salem and Maggie Salem (Alex); nephews Thomas (Haley) Yonke and Michael Bhat; and his cherished cat, Malachi. He is also remembered fondly by many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Jason’s life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 11:00

a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. In true Jason fashion, the family invites guests to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Give Kids the World, a cause Jason deeply supported.

Jason’s light lives on in every story told, every game played, and every moment of kindness shared. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and imagination, a beautiful reminder that even the quietest voices can leave the loudest echoes in the hearts of those they touch.

He was, and always will be, deeply loved.