Louis Lumaghi Frierson

Louis Lumaghi Frierson passed away on his 84th birthday, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at home with his loving family. The beloved husband of Ruthie Jones Frierson, Lou is survived by Ruthie and their son, George Martin Frierson. He is also survived by his grandsons, Brice Thomas Frierson and Nikolas George Frierson.

Lou is the son of the late Pauline and George S. Frierson, and was preceded in death by his son, Louis L. Frierson, Jr., brother, George Frierson, and step-brother, William N. Offutt, IV.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jackie Derks, Judy Paine (Lincoln), Martin L. Jones, Jr. (Gayle Landt), and Ann Milliner (Denis), and nieces and nephews, Parke Cooper (Debbie), Shawn Maruri, Adrienne Paine, Rachel Fuller (Graham), Whiton Paine (Archana), Evan Jones (Kirsten), Allison Jones, and David Milliner (Christine). He is also survived by Jane Scott Hodges (Philip), King Offutt (Grandison), Webb Offutt, Maury Reeves, Randy Offutt and many grand nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lou was born in New Orleans, LA on August 20, 1940 where he attended Isidore Newman School. In 1958, Lou graduated from The Governor’s Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy) in South Byfield, Massachusetts. At Tulane University he majored in Business Administration, was a member of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO), and graduated with a BBA in 1965. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

As a young boy, Lou grew up working for his family’s business, George Engine Company, where he found his passion for restoring and repairing things. Lou could always be found in his home “office” located in the garage, where he was surrounded by all of the machines and tools he used to maintain their home and his two boats. There wasn’t anything that Lou Frierson could not fix.

Lou met the love of his life, Ruth “Ruthie” Jones in 1964 and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Lou and Ruthie were blessed with two precious boys, Lou Jr. and George. As a family, they enjoyed Sunday Church, weekends on the Mississippi Coast at their home “Wilderwood” and countless fishing expeditions. Together, Ruthie and Lou loved working in and enjoying their beautiful gardens in New Orleans at their home of 52 years. They shared their homes with extended family and many friends during their magical years.

Since childhood, Lou was at his happiest when he was fishing. He shared this passion with his sons, his grandsons, his friends, and anyone who happened to be fishing with him. He regaled all who were willing to listen with hilarious stories from their adventures.

Lou was President and Chairman of the Board of George Engine Company, which he sold in 1988. He later founded and was President of Select Foods Inc., selling the business and retiring in 1997.

His service to Tulane University, and the Medical Center in particular, spanned over forty years. From 1982 until present, Lou served on the Tulane Board of Administrators Educational Fund, Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Audit Committee, becoming an Emeritus board member in 1998. He served on the Board of Governors for Tulane University Medical Center from 1975-90, serving as Chairman from 1982-84. Later he was a Board liaison between Tulane Hospital and the Tulane University Board. Lou was Chairman of the Board for Tulane Hospital from 2003-13. From 2001-13 he served as a Tulane University representative to the Board of Trustees of the Health Education Authority of the state of Louisiana. In 2015, the Tulane University Emeritus Club honored Lou with the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Alumna award.

Lou served on numerous boards and commissions including: Audubon Park Commission; Bureau of Governmental Research; Business Task Force of Education; Chamber – New Orleans and River Regions; Committee for a Better Jefferson; Council for a Better Louisiana; Dillard –Xavier Annual Fund Drive; Economic Development Council; First National Bank of Commerce; Goodwill Industries; International House; Louisiana World Exposition Executive Committee Member 1984; New Orleans Chapter – American Red Cross; Public Affairs Research Council; United Way for Greater New Orleans Area; WYES-TV (12) Board of Trustees, of which he was Chairman from 1982-84.

He was a member of the Boston Club, the Louisiana Club and several Carnival organizations. In 1995, He reigned as Rex, King of Carnival.

As a devoted member of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, Lou served as Deacon for many years and was a valued member of the Fundraising and Finance Committees. His deep and unwavering faith sustained him throughout his life.

Lou and Ruthie were inseparable. They shared devotion to their faith, family and friends. Everything they did, they did together (except fishing!). Affectionately known as Cap, Captain, Chef, Uncle Lou, and Papa, his infinite wisdom, engaging sense of humor, storytelling, loving smile and twinkle in his eyes will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the memorial service at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State Street in New Orleans, on Wednesday, August 28, at 12:00PM. The visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:30AM. The interment will be private.

Memorials may be made to St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, Tulane Medical Center/ LCMC Health, Pro Bono Publico Foundation or the charity of your choice.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com