Son, Brother, Uncle, Husband, SSgt, Papa….Dad…only some of the many distinguished roles Richard “Louie” Louis, age 64, of Kalamazoo held throughout his life, he truly loved and lived to serve those around him. The most important title of all: Christian, Louie went home with our Heavenly Father on January 6, 2025 in the comfort of his home being cared for by his children and his two loving pit bulls, Tank and Cujo.

Born February 29, 1960 in Manistique, MI to Carl and Jean (Marks) Louis. He attended Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo. A true soldier at heart, he bravely stepped up to defend this great nation by enlisting in the United States Army on April 15, 1982. Dedicating 20 years of his life through honorable service, he retired out of Fort Sill, Oklahoma in April of 2002. SSgt Richard Louis served at several military installations throughout the world, including Guam, Germany, and Korea, along with several stateside bases such as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI and Fort Sill, OK. He spent most of his Army service in Lawton, Oklahoma stationed at Fort Sill, known for being the largest field artillery base in the world. When wearing the hat of SSgt, Louie was a section chief responsible for a MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System); incorporating his wide sense of humor into the name of one of his favorite systems: “The Big Nasty”, he was responsible for over $40 million worth of Army assets, while expertly blending the incredible qualities of his character and unquestionable integrity into his leadership of the countless soldiers he raised up to serve in his footsteps. Receiving 5 Army Good Conduct Medals, 5 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal, SSgt Louis was also an Expert Marksman. After retirement, Louie returned home to Kalamazoo, where he met his wife Teresa, who preceded him in death in 2018. Louie was a member of the Outriders MC of Kalamazoo where he served 15 years as Club President; his Outriders family describes him as a one-of-a-kind BROTHER, mentor, and friend leaving behind a legacy of courage, respect, generosity, kindness, and the ability to be “as real as they come”.

When he wasn’t busy being a certified hero by day, Louie also known as “dad”, was an incredible provider to his family. He was a fair father who not only taught his son how to take a Harley Davidson down to the frame (and successfully put it back together), but also how to cook and to always put integrity first. While his daughter didn’t necessarily take to cooking, he taught her the value of education by ensuring she knew how to seek and find information in all situations, for example looking words up in the dictionary from the moment she was able to read (he kept one by his chair) one of his key phrases being “look it up”, and he also taught her that dedication to service can give you more than the value of a bank account. He was the kind of man people sought advice and leadership from, he was a true hero. While he was an exceptional dad, his favorite title was “Papa”; describing the best times of his life being the memories he made with his grandkids. He didn’t hold a prouder smile than the one he wore when he spoke of them.

Surviving are a daughter, Shanna (Steven) Pacheco; son, Javan (Tatum) Louis; mother, Jean Louis; grandchildren, Talon, Taryn, Taylor, Trysten, Lyndsey, Javan Jr., Carl, Robert; sisters, Kathy (Steve) Waldron, Barbara Louis; brothers, Robert (Karen) Louis, Patrick (Jody) Louis; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa; father, Carl Louis; sister, Christina Louis.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project , in c/o the funeral home.