George Louis Luft Jr.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Lespa Jordy Luft, his parents, George Louis Luft Sr. and Mabel Cahill Luft, and his sisters, Jane Luft Rey and Kathleen Luft Miller.

He is survived by his sons, Jordy Luft and Kerry Luft (Kathleen Glynn) and his beloved granddaughters, Mary Ellen and Charlotte, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

George was born and raised on Tchoupitoulas Street in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, where he lived just a few blocks from the love of his life, Lespa. He graduated from Fortier High School and attended Tulane University on the G. I. Bill. He was a sergeant in the United States Army and served in the Korean War as part of the 14th Engineer Combat Battalion. He enjoyed a long career working for the Times-Picayune and retired after 44 years. He was also a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ where he served as church treasurer for many years.

He loved to be active and was part of many men’s organizations. He was a 33rd Degree Mason, a member of the New Orleans Scottish Rite, a past Master of Euclid Lodge 394, and a member of Perfect Union #1. He was also a member of the Shriners, American Legion Post 307, and VFW Post 3267. George loved New Orleans, Mardi Gras, and baseball in no particular order, but loved his family and friends more than anything. He always looked forward to carnival season and paraded with the Jefferson City Buzzards until the age of 89. He was a dedicated baseball fan and played for the Avengers baseball team as one of the original members who helped build Avenger Field. He was the manager of the “Avenger Termites” boys’ team and proudly led them to win two city championships in 1947 and 1948. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend who will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie, LA. Visitation will be held from 10 AM – 12 PM with a service to begin at 12 PM. Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate or the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org