Louis Charles Kimes

Louis obtained a GED and enlisted into the United States Air Force at age 17. He completed Boot Camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and was then transferred to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock where he completed his military service. While in the Air Force, Louis met and shortly thereafter married the love of his life, Nelda Lou Wilson, on October 16, 1958, in the Reese Air Force Base Chapel.

After being discharged from the Air Force, Louis worked for Furr’s Food Stores. Next, Louis began his career as a Firefighter at Reese Air Force Base. He remained in the Reese Air Force Base Fire Department until his retirement on April 28, 1995, making many longtime friends through the years.

Louis thoroughly enjoyed working on cars and electronics, woodworking, welding, gardening, and any other hobby using his hands throughout his life. He was always ready and willing to help anyone in need of his self-taught skills. Practicing photography as a hobbyist, Louis could be found with his camera and video camera taking pictures of anyone and anything he loved or found interesting. His family could count on him recording memories to share via pictures and video at any celebration.

Louis is preceded in death by his precious wife, Nelda Lou Wilson Kimes; his parents, Hattie Irene and Charles George Kimes; two sisters Phyllis Kimes who passed away as an infant and Lucy Perreault; as well as a brother Philip Kimes.

Louis is survived by three daughters, Gwen (Roger) Demers of San Antonio, TX; Theresa (Juan) Baldivia of Lubbock TX and Mary Lou Allen of Dickens, TX. His 12 grandchildren fondly called him “PaPa,” pronounced as “PawPaw” as did his 22 great-grandchildren. Louis loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly. Louis is additionally survived by two sisters, Anne Prescott of South Strafford, VT and Helena Kimes of Lebanon, NH as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church at 2 pm, on Wednesday July 13, 2022 with Reverend Jim McCartney officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 5:30 – 7 pm Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for the Kimes family.