SHORT NOTICE: CONFIRMED: Louis Whaley (Pa) Wootan, Veteran, US Navy, WWII (143-23) 22 Jun 23

“SHORT NOTICE”

US NAVY VETERAN – WWII

The family of Mr. Louis Whaley (Pa) Wootan, a US Navy Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services and LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.

Louis Whaley (Pa) Wootan, beloved husband, father, grandpa, pee-paw, uncle, cousin, friend and soldier, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the age of 99. Louis was born on April 2, 1924, in Birmingham, Alabama. He joined the Navy during WWII. He served in the South Pacific around New Guinea and drove a landing craft. His claim to fame was that while serving in New Guinea, they had him dress-up like a Japanese sailor and drive a landing craft, which appeared in the John Wayne movie, “The Fighting Seabees.” After serving in the Navy, he was a proud member of the Plumber & Pipefitter Union Local 142 for 75 years. While in the Union, he met the love of his life, Joyce (Ma) and after just six weeks, they married and shared 64 beautiful years together.

Louis was a good man. He was a simple, honest man that loved his family and country. Louis was generous, charming, gentle, thoughtful, kind and patient. He had a sense of humor, was witty and above all, honest. Louis was blessed with a large, loving extended family who he put first in his life.

When Wayne and Charlie were growing up, Pa always took the family to do outdoor things. His joys in life were hunting and fishing. In his later years, Pa and Ma would sit in the deer blind together. When his eyesight began to fail, Ma would find the deer and tell him where it was and he’d focus on the area and be able to find it and shoot. After losing his eyesight at the age of 90, Pa still went fishing with the family. Wayne would cast, hand the pole to Pa and he would catch and reel in the fish. Pa was an avid Atlanta Braves fan along with Ma. He loved to gamble, taking multiple trips a year to Eagle Pass. His last trip to play the slots was just a few months ago. Pa loved family get-togethers, listening to old movies and music, and going out to eat. His favorite foods being fried mushrooms, fried pork chops or fish, fried okra, and cherry tomatoes. Louis was also an animal lover. He loved his cat, Sparkles as much as she loved him.

At the VA home where Louis lived for the last 3 years, he was blessed with his roommate and friend, Wade Smith. Mr. Smith was a great friend to Louis. He used to say that Mr. Smith was the best nurse as he would tuck Louis in at night and get him drinks from their little refrigerator. He felt like Mr. Smith was family and called him his buddy. The Wootan family would like to thank Louis’s nurses and the staff at the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home for their care and compassion.

We will miss you deeply – your gentleness, your wittiness, your kindness, and your warm embrace. You will remain in all our hearts forever.

Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Lucille Wootan; mother, Floread (McClusky) Wootan; son, Charles Wootan (Joyce Ann); great-granddaughter, Kyley Wootan; great great-granddaughter, Brayleigh Wootan; and brother, C.R. “Red” Wootan. He is survived by his son, Wayne Wootan (Sharon); grandchildren, Joey Wootan (Amy), Jennifer Blankenship (Bill), Shelley Helbert (Jeremy); great-grandchildren, Joshua Wootan (Codi), Lane Wootan, Hailey Balleza (Fernando), and Paislee Helbert; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends,

WEATHER: Hi 102 / Lo 78, 0% Chance of Rain, 87% Humidity, Wind: 7 mph ESE

REQUESTOR: Debbie Quirk-Puente, Family SPOX

 

STAGING: 9:00 am, Thursday, June 22, 2023

St. Ann’s Catholic Church

14151 Hwy 87 W.

La Vernia, Texas 78121

https://goo.gl/maps/sdUkH6hFVxpvvEW46

 

BRIEFING: 9:15 am

 

SERVICE: 10:00 am

St. Ann’s Catholic Church

14151 Hwy 87 W.

La Vernia, Texas 78121

https://goo.gl/maps/sdUkH6hFVxpvvEW46

 

KSU: 11:00 am (Semper Gumby)

 

INTERMENT: 11:30 am

Post Oak Community Cemetery

655 Hartfiel Road

La Vernia, TX 78121

https://goo.gl/maps/9ZR7Vc1bgSm3WfH79

 

RC: Tom “Tom Cat” Wilson

tomcatwilson2019@gmail.com

 

FC: Charles “Music Man” Jones

Cj083206@gmail.com

 

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.

2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.

3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!

***Safety Notice***

Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.

Funeral Processions/Escorts

EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.

At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.

If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.

Warm Regards,

Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223

“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers