Louis A Ham

Louis A. Ham of Alexandria, VA entered into eternal rest at the age of 102. A longtime resident of Annandale, Virginia, Lou was born December 27, 1911 to Russell and Martha Ham in Charlottesville, Virginia. Lou married his childhood sweetheart, Myrtle French on September 6, 1935 and were married for 55 years prior to her passing.

Lou was a Virginia National Guardsman and represented the Guard in National Marksmen Competitions. Lou enlisted in the Army to fight in World War II where he served as a combat infantryman and was part of the invasion of Normandy as well as campaigns in France, Belgium, and Germany. While in the European Theatre, he earned numerous decorations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. He was also awarded the French military decoration Croix de Guerre by French President Charles De Gaulle, which is given to distinguish individuals for acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy.

After the war, he and his wife remained in Annandale and was a distinguished plaster foreman at C.J. Coakley, Company of Washington, D.C. He received several citations for his plaster workmanship and was instrumental in teaching journeyman apprentice the art of detailed plaster design and casting. His work can still be seen today at the U.S Capital Done which he was part of the dome renovation project as well as Ronald Regan Airport. Outside of his work, Lou stayed young and very active with golfing, fishing and hunting.

Lou and his wife, Myrtle, retired to Port Richey, Florida in 1979 where he stayed very active golfing and fishing. Lou returned to Northern Virginia in 2009 and stayed until his death to be close to his two daughters (Donna and Diane); three grandsons; and four great-grandsons all who live in Northern Virginia. Lou was an incredible person, a Southern gentleman, father, grand-father, great-grandfather and friend. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all that knew him.