Yorktown, VA

Louis Henry Luth III, 74, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

Born in St. Louis, MO, he has been a resident of the Virginia Peninsula since 1989.

Louis bravely served his country by enlisting in the Army and fought in the Vietnam War during the Tet Offensive of 1968. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Merit. Following his tour in Vietnam, he transitioned to the National Guard, finally leaving military service as a Captain.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Louis met and married Catherine Winkelmann. He enrolled in the University of Missouri at Rolla and earned a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering. His work led them on adventures across the country, taking them to Amarillo, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and Vancouver, Washington. He pursued his love of flying by becoming a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and building an airplane of his own design. Louis and Catherine finally landed in the Virginia Peninsula in 1989 where he eventually worked for Newport News Shipbuilding and earned a Masters in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

Louis grew up in a musical household. For over thirty years Louis's tenor voice could be heard in the choir at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church expressing his love of music. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, spending every Thursday night for twenty years at the Knights of Columbus Hall to working Bingo, the proceeds of which supported Catholic schools. His altruism extended to the local Red Cross, where for years he donated platelets twice a month. Family was the center of Louis's life; he loved playing with his grandchildren and he made a point to attend every extended family gathering he could, often making multi-day treks to be there. A devout Catholic, he prayed the rosary daily, attended mass often, and participated in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Louis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Catherine J. Luth; children and their spouses, Christine L. Bitzer (Edward), Laura C. Templeton (Christian), David W. Luth, and Michael J. Luth (Katherine); eight brothers and sisters; and four grandchildren: Reagan, Aidan, Colin and Kieran.

The family will receive friends from 6-7:00 PM Monday at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated, 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church by Rev. Dan Beeman.  To watch the Funeral Mass live online, please CLICK HERE at 10:55 AM. The family wishes in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Social Ministry at OLMC, 100 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA  23601.