Belton Paul MOURAS Sr.

MOURAS, Sr., Belton Paul

A Louisiana native and long term resident of Sacramento died in his home on May 14, 2014 at the age of ninety. Mr. Mouras was a leader in the American Humane Movement from the 1960's through the 1980's. He founded the Sacramento based international organization, the Animal Protection Institute, in 1968, now known as Born Free. He also founded the United Animal Nations.

Mr. Mouras was raised in the Bayou of Louisiana, spoke only 'Cajun French' until he was eight years old when he learned English. He had a quick wit and had a particular love for Boston Bull Terriers.

Mr. Mouras joined the United States Army in 1939 at the age of sixteen. He served with the 503rd regimental combat team, parachute infantry in World War II, made multiple combat jumps, including Corregidor. Mr. Mouras was shot twice in combat, received several purple hearts, the combat infantrymen's badge, the bronze star medal, along with a plethora of other medals.

He was proud to have been a combat paratrooper with 'the Greatest Generation.' He retired from the United States Army in 1959 after twenty years of service.

Mr. Mouras authored several animal welfare books including I Care About Animals, Nine lives to live and one to go. He also helped produce two documentary films titled 'The Ninth Crusade' and The Empty Ark:2000.

Mr. Mouras is survived by his wife, Rita Mouras, six children, Paulette Pesavento, Yvonne Reimers, Judy Duffin, Belton Mouras Jr., Cheryl Mouras Fernandez, David Mouras, nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11:00am and viewing from 9:00am to 11:00am on May 20, at the Sierra View Chapel, 6201 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA. Immediately following the service will be a graveside military service at the Lodi Memorial Cemetery 1:30, 5668 East Pine Street, Lodi, CA. Friends and family are welcome to attend both services.