Louis John Lartigue Sr.

Lou Lartigue Sr. passed away on January 17, 2026. He was a Mobile native and attended McGill Institute and the University of Southern Mississippi. He was commissioned a Signal Officer and deployed to combat in Vietnam. His 20-year military career included assignments to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, Signal and Logistics positions in Thailand, Arizona, Germany, and the Pentagon. He earned a Master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology and was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, Airborne Wings and many other Army and unit awards.

After retirement from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, Lou worked with Defense Contractors in DC for 15 years. He returned to Mobile in 2005 and continued his volunteer work. With Our Lady of Lourds he was on the Parish Council and was the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 8740. Lou was a former Commander of VFW Post 49, Member of the Honor Guard American Legion Post 250, and member of Military Officers Association of America. He is Past President of the South Alabama Veterans Council from 2009-2025, the Board of Directors Parkway Senior Citizens Center, a Director for the State Veterans Cemetery Foundation, and past President of the Society of Logistics Engineers.

Lou was the Mobile Bay Area Veteran of the Year 2016, Chat and Chew "Seniors Making a Difference Award 2023", Panini Pete Hospitality Veteran of the Year Award 2025, and Chairman of the Annual Flags of Glory Ceremony. He was an Eagle Scout and active in scouting for over 35 years. He did so much for the church, community and veterans throughout the Gulf Coast.

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Betty of 59 years, his son Lou Jr. and wife Michelle, daughters Dannette and husband David, Robin and husband Sam, eight grandchildren, his sister Barbara Smith and many, many friends. We all loved him and are truly blessed to have had him in our lives.

Lou was motivated by a deep love for his family, his faith, his country, and his fellow Veterans. Serving others was at the heart of who he was, and he gave selflessly throughout his life. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, church, community, and country, and for the pride he took in helping others.

A visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes in Mobile at 3 to 5 PM, Friday, January 23. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes at 11 AM Saturday, January 24 with a graveside ceremony at 1:30 PM at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. In place of flowers, please donate any tributes to Our Lady of Lourds Parish at 1621 Boykin Blvd on Dauphin Island Parkway.