Laurence B. Labarthe

LABARTHE, Laurence B. - Age 96, passed away in San Francisco on July 4, 2005. Born in Stockton, CA on July 5, 1909 to Antone and Grace Isaacq Labarthe and raised in Goldfield, NV and San Francisco. His parents operated the Goldfield French Laundry for many years where he helped after school. His family later moved to San Francisco where he joined the Merchant Marines. He retired after 35 years as a Merchant Marine traveling around the world. During WWII most cargo and passenger ships were converted to troop carriers to aid in the war effort. Years later Congress declared that time served as a Merchant Marine during the war would be considered as military duty. He received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942. He was a member of Les Faneurs and Ligue Henri IV lodges. Laurence was preceded in death by his brother, Alexander Labarthe of Goldfield, Nevada in 1995, and by his sister, Marie Schneehagen of Las Vegas, Nevada in 1997. He is survived by 13 cousins. No local Services were held. Private Burial at sea will be held later this month by the Marine Firemen Union. Donations may be made to the Central Nevada Museum, PO Box 326, Tonopah, NV 89049.