Lewis G. Jeaudoin Jr.

Former Cathlamet resident Lewis G. "Louie" Jeaudoin Jr., 86, passed away June 30, 2010, at Canterbury Gardens in Longview.

He was born Oct. 17, 1923, in Aberdeen, to Lewis and Catherine (Dieble) Jeaudoin. He attended Providence Academy in Vancouver. Louie served in the Air Force during World War II.

On Dec. 3, 1973, he married Margaret Slaughter. They lived in Naselle and Vancouver before moving to Cathlamet in 1986. They resided there until moving to Longview three years ago.

Louie was a lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church in Vancouver, as a young man he served as an altar server there. He was a member of the Chinook Tribe, Cathlamet Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5297, and the American Legion in Ridgefield and Longview for 62 years.

He was a fireman for the U.S. Government at the Vancouver Barracks from 1946 and retired as chief of the VA Hospital Fire Department in 1974. He was chief of the Guard Force and Safety as well. Louie enjoyed fishing the Elochoman River and other small streams. He loved history and had a large library of books on the Northwest. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening and family time.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret at home; three sons, Bob Jeaudoin, David Jeaudoin and John Knechtges; a brother, Charlie Jeaudoin; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Hardin.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood Cemetery in Cathlamet.

Contributions may be made in Louie Jeaudoin’s name to the Cathlamet Public Library, P.O. Box 335, Cathlamet, WA 98612 or VFW Post #5297, care of Ron Kimmel, 295 W. Sunny Sands Road, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.