Oscar Paul Lestrade Jr.

Oscar Paul Lestrade, Jr. was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on January 1, 1938. A boy in the Eastern time zone beat him to being the first child born in the new year, seconds after midnight. The son of Oscar Paul Lestrade and Francis Forehand, he had one brother, Jack Lewis Lestrade (Gloria) and one sister, Martha Lestrade Holbein (Pete) who preceded him in death.

Oscar graduated from Biloxi High School in 1955 where he played clarinet in the band and was band captain. He attended Mississippi State University for a year then joined the US Navy. At the end of his 4 years he was honorably discharged, then met and married Audrey O'Neill, with whom he would have seven children. He

was a devout member of the Roman Catholic faith all his life. Oscar worked for RCA, Maine Yankee Power Plant, Keesler Air Force Base and for Navy SupShips at Ingall's

shipbuilding, staying with Ingall's until he was 78. He lived on the Escatawpa River, a place of peace andbeauty, where many fine times were spent. He was married to Mary Ellen Hardigan and remained with her til death.

He will be remembered for his hospitality and welcoming spirit, and his service to others. He was the youngest of the 'cousins', most of whom grew up on Lestrade Place.

He had a variety of interests, you could always hear him singing. He was a member of Fatima's choir. He played a variety of instruments, able to play by ear. He provided humanitarian relief in Saltillo, Mexico on mission trips. He worked kitchen and team for Cursillo. He was an avid bird watcher and nature enthusiast, who

volunteered for Audubon. Oscar belonged to many service and religious organizations, including the Knights of Columbus Council #1605, A.C.T.S. Mission, the Cursillo Movement of South Mississippi, Kairos Prison Ministry and in January made his "Definitive Promise" with the Discalced Carmelites

Oscar leaves behind his seven children – Leah Margaret Tharp (Will), Oscar Paul Lestrade III (Pam), George Francis Lestrade (Michael), Thomas Michael Lestrade, Martha Evelyn Lestrade Galle, Ernest Philip Lestrade (Dawn), and Mary Elizabeth Lestrade.

Marrying Mary added the bonus children: Dawn Kirby, Jeff Kirby, Kevin Kirby, and Patrick Kirby as his step-children along with their children and grandchildren. They were a blessing to him and they had many fine times together on the river. His grandchildren include Robert William Tharp, Josephine Anastasia Tharp, and Kay-Lee Rose Tharp, Megan Lestrade, Joshua Lestrade, Stephen Lestrade (Caroline), and Gabrielle Rose (Gio) Lestrade, Shawn Havens Galle and Haven Nicole Galle, Shelby Grace Ranager, and Jillian Marie Lestrade. His great grandchildren are Tristan Lestrade, Edan McClantoc, Savannah Lestrade, Jacob Lestrade, Lucas Lestrade Austin Lane Lestrade, Charles Duke Lestrade, and Walker Grey Ranager.

In lieu of flowers please make all donations to: St. Vincent de Paul East Pascagoula, PO Box 368, Pascagoula, MS 39567.