Lewis Giraud

Lewis “Louie” Giraud, age 88, of Fulton, formerly of Bowling Green passed away at his home April 15, 2015 surrounded by his family. Funeral visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20 at Bibb-Veach Funeral Home in Bowling Green, MO followed by a 1:30 p.m. burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Louie was born August 12, 1926 in New York City, the son of Mable Dorner. Louie traveled with his four siblings and mother in a Model A Ford from the Bronx to Thida, AR where they squatted on an abandon farm in the mid-1930s. After serving in the military he returned from Germany with his first love and war bride, the late Irmgard Optiz, after they married in Augsburg, Germany November 18, 1947. Louie was an Army Veteran of the Korean War and World War II and a switchman on the railroad. Louie had the pleasure of visiting the Washington D.C. service memorials last summer through the Honor Flight Organization with his daughter and granddaughter. Louie was known best for his practical jokes, love of fireworks and was a fierce competitor at washers, cards and dominos. Louie lived by the motto “You don’t have to grow up, but you do have to be responsible”. All who knew him, saw that he was a big kid, in a more mature body. He lived a full life with laughs abound every day, his zest for life was contagious and made him an unforgettable character. He was famous for his story telling, and though the stories sounded concocted, they were indeed true. No matter how many times he told the stories it was as if it was the first time he had ever told it. He would laugh at his own jokes before he could ever get to the punch line, causing an infectious domino effect of laughter. His free spirited nature earned him the title of “Crazy PaPa”, by his grandchildren. He was the first to squirt the water guns or play pirates, and oh how the children adored him. This was a man who was always young at heart, showing everyone he could kick his leg over a kitchen chair up until he was 87. Survivors include his dear companion of 27 years Ruth R. Pelley; one daughter Ingrid Giraud retired Air Force; two sisters Domini Tinsley and Delores Chambliss; three grandchildren Tre’von Giraud, Amanda Dugger and Heather O’Malley and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter Sonja Carter; and brothers Richard and Raymond Giraud. He will be greatly missed however we must laugh and live on in his honor until our own “Last Ride”. In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations be made to Central Missouri Honor Flight or the Fulton, MO Senior Center.

Lewis Giraud

April 17, 2015