Jack Touchstone Obituary

Jack Touchstone

Jack Touchstone, age 88, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, May 17th, at 11:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 522 Flournoy-Lucas Road. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, May 16th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Osborn Funeral Home.

Jack was born in Midlothian, Texas on December 9, 1925, to Oran and Thelma Touchstone. Raised by his uncle and mother, he graduated from Midlothian High School at the age of 16 and went to work as a stock boy in Dallas for Edison Brothers Shoe Company to support his mother.

He served in the United States Army from July 1944 until June of 1946. He was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, serving as demolition specialist in the European Theater. Upon his discharge he resumed his career with Edison Brothers in Dallas.

In August of 1946, he met Kathryn Stearns at a carnival in Fort Worth and in October of that year they were married. Four years later his job brought them to Shreveport where they raised their family together.

Jack was an avid tennis player and longtime member of Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club. He was an early member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. One of his favorite times was making an annual retreat at Manresa House of Retreats, which he did for 28 years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved life and was always happy in his world, even when that world wasn't great.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Kaye; his son-in-law, Charles Rouse; and his infant great granddaughter, Sarah Clair Touchstone.

He is survived by his son, Jack R. Touchstone and wife, Donna; daughter, Suanne Rouse; grandchildren, James and Allison Brooks, Chris and Ashley Brooks, Katy Touchstone, Trey and Rachel Touchstone, Amber and Rahul Gupta, Alexa Carr, and Owen Carr; and 6 great grandchildren.

Honoring him as pallbearers will be James Brooks, Chris Brooks, Gordy Brooks, Trey Touchstone, Tony Papa, Bill O'Brien, Alan DeLoach, Tony Calantone & Charles Salley. Honorary pallbearers will be the Shreveport Men of Manresa.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Richard Sipes and Amedisys Hospice for their love and care for us and our dad in the last days. We are also thankful for Jeff Crane and the staff of Resource Louisiana, especially Brenda Ellis, Gerald Johnson, & Terry Sajjad who became part of our family these last few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Sarah Claire Touchstone Memorial - NICU Department; LSU Health Shreveport Foundation; 920 Pierremont Road, Suite 407; Shreveport, LA 71106; 318-861-0855 or the charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times from May 15 to May 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Touchstone

5 Entries

Greig Tooley

December 20, 2014

Jack: I guess I missed this. I saw his name in the Maresa news letter. Dad never said anything about Mr. Jack's passing. The Tooleys and Touchstones have long history together. Of course, Ms Kaye being our kindergarden teacher along with Mrs. McCollugh. I got to attend Maresa with Mr. Jack for a few years. Mr Jack and Ms Kaye have a special place in our hearts.

[email protected]

For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud

May 15, 2014

The Final Salute

“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 to Jack Touchstone our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Jack. And to Jack it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II while serving in the U.S. Army. Jack, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Jack's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

Julia Doolittle

May 15, 2014

Jack, Donna and family - We were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during the upcoming days.

Mark Robinson

May 15, 2014

Jack, I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I guess I have known him, although not well, ever since you and I were playing little league baseball as kids. Although I didn't know him well, he must have been a wonderful man to have raised a son like you. I am grateful for his service during WWII. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Mark

Joey Dumas

May 15, 2014

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. "T", as we all called him in the shoe business many years ago. So many fond memories exist of when he and my late father Danny Dumas worked together. I remember working at many of the stores and Mr. T being around. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all concerned, as you face the days ahead with his earthly absence. However, I trust you can take comfort in knowing that someone, so special to many will never be forgotten. My sincerest condolences.

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