Mark "Tubby" Freihaut

Mark “Tubby” Freihaut, 51, passed away on Friday evening, February 4, 2022 from complications due to pancreatic and liver cancer. Mark was born on April 11, 1970 in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Kathleen Dolores and Norman. He was the youngest of three children. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Buchanan High School (B.H.S.) in 1988. Additionally, he received training at the Pike/Lincoln Technical Center in Eolia. Very early on, Mark was an entrepreneur. At age 13, his first business venture, Games Galore, started with the purchase and placement of a video game at the “little store” across the street from B.H.S. As word spread of the little kid with a video game business, Mark continued to purchase and place more video games throughout Lincoln and surrounding counties. He eventually expanded his venture to include vending and entertainment machines. Many of his Games Galore business partners were bar owners providing the gateway to his next chapter. His first bar, Tubb’s Place, was located in his hometown of Hawk Point, Missouri followed by Tubb’s Too in Troy, Missouri. At the height of his career, he simultaneously owned three Tubby’s locations (Clarksville, Elsberry and New London). Mark’s bars were more than just a business. These locations were strategically created in small towns so that he could build a sense of community and family. With the purchase of Tubby’s Grub & Pub in New London, Mark and his daughter Hailie truly found their home in the area. Most remember the “off limits” booth where Hailie would do homework and the staff and patrons would share in her growth and development. Additionally, the Mark Twain Lake and nearby waterpark provided many fun experiences and memories. Mark was also locally famous for his annual 4th of July fireworks shows. Mark was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Memorial Day weekend 2019. Always the believer, his “I got this” attitude kept him going. He downsized his business ventures focusing on “getting better.” A year later when things seemed to have improved, he returned to ownership of Tubby’s Grub & Pub in New London. At that time, he also joined the team at Blackjack Marina as assistant manager. He loved working on and near the water and would frequently share stories of his day-to-day adventures. Mark was always the quick-witted funny guy with a huge smile and infectious laugh. His favorite catch phrases included, “I got this”, “what could go wrong”, “toodle-loo” and “love you long time.” In Mark’s presence, you were guaranteed a sarcastic jab, joke, or “what the hell” moment. His love of life and compassion for people was enormous. During his lifetime, he took many trips to Las Vegas encouraging and inviting many friends to join. What happened in Vegas didn’t always stay in Vegas because the stories were too funny not to share. Mark (Tubby) Freihaut is survived by his proudest accomplishment, daughter Hailie Carter. He is also survived by mother Kathleen Dolores Asbridge, father Norman Freihaut, brother Erich and wife Cindy Freihaut and sister Nancy Freihaut. He has many nieces and nephews to carry on his memory. Visitation will be at Bibb-Veach Funeral Home in Bowling Green, MO from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, February 8 with a service immediately following.

Mark "Tubby" Freihaut

April 11, 1970 - February 4, 2022