Louis Anthony Despres, 87, passed from this life on September 9, 2015 at the Benedictine Living Center of Garrison, ND. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Friday September 18, 2015 at St. Edwin's Catholic Church, Washburn, ND. Interment will be held at 3:00 PM Friday at the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Louis was born in Providence, Rhode Island to David and Flora (MacIntosh) Despres on June 20, 1928. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy, serving on the submarine "Sea Robin" for the last part of WWII and the following three years. He left the Navy to enlist in the Air Force in 1949, where he served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired in 1969, after serving his country for 24 years with honor. In 1951, Louis met and married Irene Buffi. During their 54 years of marriage, they raised three children imparting in them hard work, perseverance and living an ethical and Christian life. During his retirement, Louis was a member of the Masons and rose to the York Rite and Scottish Rite levels.

He was an avid hunter, wood craftsman, black coffee drinker, political debater, loyal friend, teacher, but most importantly a beloved father and grandfather. He truly touched and enriched the lives of all those he met.

He is survived by his children, Brendon (Cindy) Despres of Gurley Alabama, Diana (Rick) Duquette of Washburn, ND and David (Sandra) Despres of Santiago, Chile; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren; two brothers, Normand Despres of Rio Rancho, NM and David (Rita) Despres of Pawtucket, RI; three sisters, Florence Reynolds of Warwick RI, Gladys Duffy of Richmond, RI and Eileen (Cornelius) Entwistle of Eaton Park, FL.


Louis is preceded in death by his parents, David and Flora Despres and his wife, Irene.