He spent 4 years in the Air Force from 1953-1956, serving in El Centro, CA. In 1953 Louie married Dolores Padilla, who survives him. Together they had 7 children and resided in Torrance, CA. For more than 25 years he worked as a draftsman and industrial artist for TRW (formerly Space Technology Laboratory or STL) from 1962 until his retirement in 1997. Before his retirement he moved to Oildale, CA where he resided at the Teakwood Mobile Home Park. After becoming ill in 2011, he moved back to Torrance so that his children could take care of him.
Lou is survived by his 6 Children - Louis Henry Gaitan (Teri), Stephen Gaitan (Ruby), Alex Gaitan (Tanya), Gabriel “Gabby” Gaitan (Tracy), Elizabeth Gaitan, Sheila Arnone-Crowson; 16 Grandchildren - Kelly Salmon (Will), Chrissa Belliveau (Kevin), Anthony Gaitan (Lauren) / Nicholas Gaitan (Katie), Stephene Gaitan (fiancé Sean) / Triana Gaitan, Christofer Gaitan, Bryson Gaitan / Gabriel Gaitan (Noreen), Lacey Gaitan, Dominick Gaitan (Cinzia) / Cassandra Bench (Justin), Thomas Arnone, Kevin Arnone (Danielle), Tasia Crowson, Beau Crowson; and 11 Great Grandchildren – Jack Louis, Jordan and Jason Salmon / Brooklyn Belliveau / Drew John Louis and Dylan Alex-Ann Gaitan / Olivia, Isabella, Gianna, Victoria Gaitan / Hayden and Tatum Bench; along with a multitude of nephews and nieces.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Henry T. Gaitan, Manuel T. Gaitan, Frank T. Gaitan, Jess T. Gaitan; his sisters Clara T. Gaitan, Anna G. Hernandez, Jennie G. Gonzales, Socorro G. Onsurez and his infant child, Robert Anthony Gaitan.
Funeral services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church 1800 Bedford Way, Oildale, 93308 on February 22, 2019; visitation will take place from 1-2pm and the service will begin at 2pm. The burial will follow at Historic Union Cemetery on 730 E. Potomac Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307. A reception for family members will follow the grave side service at Hodel’s Country Dining 5917 Knudsen Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Christ the King Catholic Church.
