Honorable, principled, kind, and generous are all words that would describe Louis E. Hart, Jr.

Louis was in every sense of the word a true gentleman. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He was an exemplary role model and a great mentor to all.

He was born October 4, 1923 in San Antonio, Texas to Louis E. Hart, Sr. and Pauline Hart. He passed away on August 18, 2023 at his home in Castroville at the age of 99. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1941 and attended Texas Lutheran College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during WWII and serving in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and finished his degree at TLC. It was here that he met and fell in love with his future wife Jean Laverne Engelhardt. He attended Trinity University using the GI bill and graduated with a degree in Business. On February 5, 1949, he and Jean were married and moved to Castroville, Texas where they raised their three children and remained happily married for 60 years until Jean's passing in 2008. On June 19, 2010, he married Marcia Lee Richardson and they remained married until his death.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean LaVerne Hart; his daughter, Linda J. Kam; sister, Mary Elizabeth Mayes; and brother Carl X. Richter, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Hart; sons, Louis E. Hart, III and Arthur C Hart (LeeAnn); grandsons, Joshua L. Hart (Sarah) and Jonathan M. Hart (Iris); great-grandchildren, Lilly, Elena, and Louis; his son-in-law, Chester Kam; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.

Louis began his business career by working for his father at Alamo Express in San Antonio. He also worked at Central Freight Lines and was a Regional Sales Manager for Friedrich Refrigeration. In 1964, he bought Texas Transport, Inc. in San Antonio and owned and operated the trucking company until he sold the business in 1979.

One of Louis's proudest accomplishments was his decades long association with Castroville State Bank. Founded in 1959, he was the last living original investor in the bank. He had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for over 50 years and for 21 years served as the Chairman of Board. Over the years, he loved working with all of the people associated with the bank and its many loyal customers.

Louis was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Castroville since 1949. He was a Master Mason and member of the Masonic Lodge in Hondo, Texas.  He was a noble in the Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio and participated in the Antique Carriage Club. He owned several antique cars with his favorite being a 1937 Railton. He was also a member of the American Legion Weiss-Wurzbach Post 460 in Castroville. During the time he owned his business, he was a member of the San Antonio Rotary Club.

Louis was a real family man, something he learned from his parents. He looked forward to family gatherings at Christmas, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and birthdays. He was always there to support and provide guidance to his children, grandsons, nieces, and nephews. He enjoyed hunting with his brother on Carl's ranch west of Hondo, and with his cousin Bert Baetz on Bert's ranch south of Cotulla. He especially enjoyed the Monday evening ritual of meeting with good friends, R.Q. Stinson and Clifton Nelson, where they would enjoy a cold adult beverage and solve many of the world's problems.

Louis almost made it to his 100th birthday, but it can be said that his long full life was a life well lived.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Summit Hospice. Chaplin – Shayla Loker, nurse – Linda Trinidad, and CNA – Patrick Miller went above and beyond caring for Louis.

A very special thank you goes to his caregivers, Lucinda Aguilera and Donna Wilhelms. Their compassion and attention to detail every day allowed Louis to live in his home of 74 years comfortably and safely until his passing.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Hart, Jonathan Hart, Anthony Stinson, Hilton Stinson, James Tondre, and Robert McGowan.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Gary R. Mayes, Carl X. Richter, Jr, and John F. Richter.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Castroville. Interment with military honors will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Castroville, Texas.

Memorials may be made in Louis' memory to Zion Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com