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BORN
1921
DIED
2024
Lou Conter Obituary
Lou Conter was the last survivor of the bombing of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
We invite you to share condolences for Lou Conter in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
30 Entries
COL (USA, Ret) Calvin & Jan Washispack
October 22, 2025
To: Family of Name of U.S. Navy Sailor - Lou Conter
My wife (Jan) and I extend our sincere sympathies and heartfelt condolences for your loss of Lou. You should be very proud of Lou´s service and accomplishments in the U.S. Navy, which he served as a great/professional Sailor. A deserving tribute to a great Sailor.
The Legacy of a U.S. Veteran - Sailor
You marched with courage, heart and pride,
Through distant lands, so far and wide.
You stood for peace, your duty true,
A silent hero, brave and new.
Through battles fought, through night and day,
You paved for us a safer way.
The flag you served now rests with grace,
In hearts you touched, you hold a place.
Now sleep, dear Sailor, rest in light,
Your spirit shines through stars so bright.
Forever honored, brave and strong,
In grateful hearts, you will live on.
COL (USA, Ret) Calvin & Jan Washispack
October 21, 2025
Lou Conter
The Final Salute - In Memorial Honor to Lou Conter,
U.S. NAVY
Brothers in Arms, Military men, and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and "as a way" to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render Lou Conter, U.S. Navy. To Lou, Our Brother-in-Arms and to his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Lou. To Lou, it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to our great country, State, and community during his service with the U.S. Navy. We honor his distinguish military service, and we commend him for his years of honorable service. Lou, you are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American Sailor: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true U.S. Navy Sailor. We bid you a farewell. You are dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the entire US Military Services (U.S.Army, U.S.MC, U.S.Navy, U.S.Air Force and U.S.CG, National Guard and U.S. Reserves of the Services) we extend our sympathies and condolences to Lou´s family and loved ones.
Lou Conter, a True U.S. Navy Sailor and warrior for those he loved!
Lou Conter, U.S. Navy, Did not serve, train and fight because he hated who was in front of him; he served, trained and fought because he loved who was behind him.
"Attention! U.S. Army Hand Salute!"
COL (USA, Ret) Calvin & Jan Washispack
October 21, 2025
To: Family of Lou Conter
My wife (Jan) and I extend our sincere sympathies and heartfelt condolences for your loss of Lou. You should be very proud of Lou´s service and accomplishments in the U.S. Navy, which he served as a great/professional Sailor. A deserving tribute to a great Sailor.
It is the "Sailor"
In Memorial Honor to Lou Conter
U.S. Navy
It´s the Sailor,
not the pastor/preacher, who has given us freedom of religion and worship.
It´s the Sailor,
not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It´s the Sailor,
not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It´s the Sailor,
not the demonstration organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble and demonstrate.
It´s the S Sailor,
not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It´s the Sailor,
not the politician, who has given us the right to vote, ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It´s the Sailor, who salutes the Flag, who serves beneath the Flag and whose coffin is draped by the Flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.
The American Sailor does not Train serve and fight because he hates who is in front of him; he Trains, serves and fights because he loves who is behind him.
The World and the USA are better places today because of Lou Conter´s U.S. Navy Service. Thanks, appreciate your service.
ETERNAL REST GRANT HIM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.
Angelica Jasiak
October 10, 2025
Legacy of a Veteran
You marched with courage, heart and pride,
Through distant lands, so far and wide.
You stood for peace, your duty true,
A silent hero, brave and new.
Through battles fought, through night and day,
You paved for us a safer way.
The flag you served now rests with grace,
In hearts you touched, you hold a place.
Now sleep, dear soldier, rest in light,
Your spirit shines through stars so bright.
Forever honored, brave and strong,
In grateful hearts, you will live on.
- Anonymous
As a young girl I remember visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial and the unexplainable energy found within and throughout. To this day it gives me chills.
Rest In Peace, Lou Contor. Thank You for Your Service.
You Will Never Be Forgotten.
How you can show support
RB
October 6, 2025
Prayers for the Conter family. May God be with you all.
Julie K.
August 24, 2025
Thank you sir for your service to our country. It means more than you know. You will never be forgotten and will be forever missed.
R. Drezek
August 9, 2025
RIP Soldier, thank you for your service. God Bless you.
Dr Mitch M. USN, USNR
August 7, 2025
Thank you for your service brother...R.I.P.
Fair winds and following seas..
Dr Mitch M
U.S. Navy
Desert Storm Veteran
Battleship Iowa BB-61
Plankowner
USS IOWA BB-61 Veterans Assicuation
Jodi Goebel
December 7, 2024
Thank you Lou for your bravery and what you did. I never met you or anyone in your family, but I want your family to know that my Mom was born on December 7th, 1941. Yes, on Pearl Harbor Day. God bless the family of Lou.
Norman Marineau
December 6, 2024
Someone I would have appreciated meeting during our lifetime.
Our Condolences To The Conter Family at this sad time.
God Be With You Lou always.
Mr Mrs Norman Marineau Sun City Arizona.
Art Bates
December 6, 2024
A Veteran of distinguished Fame.
That should be forever remembered.
God Bless You Always.
And Your Family at this sad time.
Art Bates.
S
May 3, 2024
Aloha means we welcome you, it means more than words can say
It s just like a love song
With it s haunting sweet refrain
Bringing us joy, bringing us pain.
Aloha means farewell to you,
Goodnight at the end of day.
PHS and sons and daughters
Sacramento
Douglas R. Haney
April 23, 2024
For Military Soldiers Who Have Died or Served Our Nation Honorably
DRHaney (06132020) (Revised: 08162020)
And as he walked hand in hand with Jesus to his new quarters down Heaven's Military Hall of Valorous Honor, he fell to his knees and sobbed. Looking up into the face of our Lord Jesus Christ his escort, through his joyous tears of great happiness and pride, he spoke... "Dear God I am Home!" All the Angels, Saints, and Apostles who aligned the Hall stood in silent praise. Great men of Valorous Honor are so very special. May God Bless your loved ones who hold you dear to heart and soul Brave Soldier.
SHE APPEARED:
She walked down this same Hall, after the many years of waiting to be with her husband once again, knowing that one day they would meet and the "Arrow of Love" that had pierced their hearts binding them through life unto death on Earth, would strike up those enchanted feelings once again, this sacred time for eternity. Jesus placed her before her husband and, all the joy of Heaven sang into their souls, as the Heavenly Choir rejoiced them for their bond, now in the hands of Jesus, and Blessed by the commanding voice of Almighty God!
Heaven´s Military Hall of Valorous Honor, open its doors for the three... just as it had to greet her husband. This time many Gold Star Mothers, and their husbands, stood proud and silent along that hallowed corridor, as the heroes of yesteryear drew their Golden Swords in grand salute to their entry as they moved down toward their final destination. At their entrance into their heavenly abode, both knelt looking into their Savior´s beautiful smile, he kissing Jesus´ right foot; she kissing His left in adoration. Jesus gently stroked their heads and at that moment they both felt love beyond any such emotions they had ever experienced on Earth. As He stretched out his arms for both to stand before Him, leaving their presence as he beckoned them to enter their new home knowing the incredible experiences they now would share together that lay ahead. They were complete once again, and the universe of stars, the destiny of their crowned souls now expand to the incredible knowledge that lay before them. And Heaven's Choir of Blessed Angels sang out to clear their path.
Mike Rogers
April 23, 2024
I felt honored to have met Lou and his wife Val in Hawaii one year, such wonderful souls. Our paths crossed again when as a employee of Sacramento Kings Basketball I was able to introduce Basketball Operations event staff to Lou by way of the Sacramento Kings personally honoring Lou, and his service. This was at a Kings game one evening on March 2nd, 2011 I think. Lou, his daughter and some family and a long time friend were invited by the Kings organization to attend the basketball game. During a moment of the game Lou was honored with words of acknowledgement of his service while Lou was shown on the scoreboard big screen with a spotlight on him.
It was a incredible and exciting moment to see the entire full house arena, basketball players and team owners had rose to their feet without being ask, and applauded Lou Conter during that recognition.
I'll never forget that night.
Along with my own father, and step father, who both served in harms way too during wars. I humbly salute you.
Mike Rogers
C Charley
April 23, 2024
My Mother called Lou 'The Last True Gentleman". She met Lou in their Cardiac Rehab Class and enjoyed talking with him and hearing his stories and memories. Lou was a Family man and his wife, Val, was his anchor. I always thought and hoped that Tom Hanks would make a movie telling Lou's story and thus Honoring the Hero and Legend.
With Respect, C. Charley and Mom, Sue Charley
Yvonne Phillips
April 23, 2024
My heart breaks with your passing
I had prayed that I could have met you, shaken your hand and given you a big hug I wanted to thank you for your Service and your Amazing life
May Gob Bless you and your Family and help guide you
You were an Awesome American and your story truly touched my heart
Rest In Peace sweet Lou Conter
♥♥♥♥
Yvonne Phillips, El Dorado Hills, California
Joanne Drummond
April 18, 2024
Sending my love and gratitude to you for your life of service Lou!
Cindy Tobiassen
April 18, 2024
I met Lou when he and Valerie moved to Alta Sierra when handling their escrow. I can´t explain how much I cherished the honor of knowing this brave, honorable, patriot.. His service and sacrifice is unimaginable to me and am grateful for his service to our country and all fellow Americans.
We have truly lost a real American hero, as humble as Lou was I couldn´t say that to him, as he used to say " I´m not a hero, the hero´s are the ones who didn´t get to come home" I sincerely pray the lord will bring comfort and peace to his family in this trying time.
Stimothy S
April 17, 2024
Sending sincere condolences to the Conter family.
Thank you for your service. You lived life well.
Our younger generation would do well to sit up and take notice of men like this and follow their example serving God, Family and Country.
HAND SALUTE !!!
Stimothy S.
USMC
LH
April 16, 2024
Deepest sympathy for Lou and his family, but what a life well lived! I had the privelege of meeting him a few times when he would pop into the DA's office when I was the receptionist there. He was such a nice man and will be missed!
Your friends at Raleys
April 16, 2024
We had a true hero in our midst. He was an amazing man.May he rest in peace.
Rayanne Vandyke
April 10, 2024
What a truly amazing life! We were blessed to have him in our midst! What an angel he will be! Rest in peace Lou!
The McFadden
April 10, 2024
It was an honor go have met you, a true hero.
Diana Garbin
April 10, 2024
It was our honor to know Lou for the past 20 years. His recall of events never wavered and I learned so much more after our conversations of what it meant to be part of the "greatest generation". Although always humble, he was a true patriot who inspired many and we will miss him. One memory I will always cherish is the 72nd Anniversary Remembrance of Pearl Harbor in Oahu. He insisted we attend as part of the family and I´m not sure he knew how much that meant to us. Deepest condolences to the family especially those that tended to his needs. God bless you all.
JMP-USMC
April 10, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bobbi Livingston Henk
April 6, 2024
The afternoon I spent with you & some phone calls were such a honor. Your entire career , service , and memories were beyond fantastic. Thank you Lou, friend & Shipmate. Fair Winds & Following Seas. Rest easy LCDR, we have the CONN. You made a huge difference & impact on the world. Bobbi Livingston Henk CAPT USN RET
Chef Delia and Dave Gutierrez
April 5, 2024
RIP Lou. A Hero and Great American
Terrance Wilson
April 3, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of your passing. My brother-in-law Roy Butcher was on the USS Pennsylvania and his brother David Butcher is entombed on the Arizonia. If I had known you lived so close I would have visited you. God Bless you. Terrance Wilson Granite Bay CA
Jen Frenkil
April 2, 2024
There was a Special Reason for Our Lou ( ) to go on everyday as One Hero from The Pearl Harbor tragedy in 1941 , God Rest His Loved Soul , Amen
I thank you Lou this whole Event is to be always remembered, Rip Forever sweet Man who is now to Watch Over Us , Amen
Mr. Jr.
April 2, 2024
My condolences.
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