Louis J. "Louie" Gendron

Louis "Louie" J. Gendron, age 87, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at his home.

Louie was born on June 7, 1938 in Gladstone, the son of Charles and Rose (VanDamme) Gendron. He was raised in Gladstone and graduated from Holy Name High School in the class of 1957. On May 30, 1969, Louie was united in marriage to the former Barbara Switzer and together they shared 55 years.

Louie spent 14 years on the Gladstone Fire Department and then later worked for Gladstone Public Safety as a police officer for 13 years. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time working in the garage. He loved to tell stories. He was a lucky and talented smear player and also enjoyed playing cribbage. But most importantly he cherished and loved to spend time with his family. He was like a dad to many of his children's friends.

One of his best talents was how great of a grandfather he was. When it came to hunting, fishing, spending time in the garage or golfing, he was there for support.

If you knew Louie, you knew his garage was a workshop of many creations; from deer blinds, to birdhouses, and wooden swords for the kids. He had a unique way of showing he cared by the gifts he made you.

When it came to golf, his eldest grandson Kevin was his prodigy, teaching him everything he knew, winning time after time in Namah, Irish Oaks, and the Gladstone Country Club. The golf duo of Louie and Kevin Gendron was known by many.

As for his youngest grandson Kyle, he will always be his little buddy, and building toys in the garage was where this relationship started. Wooden Swords, Wooden Actions Figures, Wooden Forts, and pretty much anything else you could make out of wood; Papa Louie and Kyle probably made it.

Along with this, Louie was also a very big hunter. Securing food for his family throughout the years, and lining his den with a variety of different horns. Acting as a teacher and mentor, he taught Dave, Kevin, and Kyle all how to hunt, showing the selfless love he had for his family, and the lifestyle of a hunter. For all of us, without Louie, we would not be the people we are today.

Louie was extremely good at being present and always an ear to talk to. His advice was sometimes a little questionable, always good hearted, but followed by a great sense of humor.

He will be missed by many.

Louie is survived by his wife Barbara Gendron; sons Michael and David Gendron; brothers Charles "Chuck" (Marilyn) and John Gendron; grandchildren Kevin (Jalyn) Gendron, Kamarie Gendron, and Kyle (Jenna) Gendron; great-grandchildren Kruze, Indy, Gigi, and Lola; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents, as well as brothers Harvey and Leon Gendron.

Military Honors will be presented in front of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone at 10:40 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial honoring Louie will follow at 11:00 AM at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall.