Louis LaGasse

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Louis Gene LaGasse, age 90, of Joplin, passed on Sunday, August 7, after a lengthy illness. He was born February 13, 1932, in Joplin, to Jacob John LaGasse and Guida (Holden) LaGasse. He was 1950 graduate of Joplin High School.

Louis became interested in building at an early age, building a garage for his father at age 15. His interest in building continued to grow. 

Without formal training, he used the technical resources at the public library. He designed and built his first house at age 17. He continued building houses on his own and by age 20 had completed 4 houses. He later built 4 more houses including one for his mother and a home for his family. His building skills were featured in a lengthy article in The Joplin Globe in 1950.

At age 19, he began working full-time for Empire District Electric Company as a meter tester. His career at Empire was interrupted in 1953 by a two-year tour of duty in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. During the period, his unit was sent to Vietnam as the French were defeated during the French Indochina War. The unit ferried wounded French soldiers to hospital ships and later transported non-Communist Vietnamese from Communist North to non-Communist South Vietnam. 

After his tour of duty in the Navy, his career at Empire advanced through several promotions. In 1981, he was promoted to Communications Supervisor in Systems Operations, a position he filled until his retirement in 1994.

On June 12, 1953, he married Darlene Sue Haase, the daughter of Max and Minnie (Studyvin) Haase. In June, they celebrated their 69th anniversary. She survives. 

Additional survivors include his three children, Louis, Michael and Jill LaGasse, a sister, Mary Wallace, grandson Jeff LaGasse and wife Kandice, and their three children, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Frankie Murray, Grace Barber and Guida Lea Irvin; brother John LaGasse; daughter-in-law Iretta (Phipps) LaGasse, three nephews and one niece.

The family would like to thank the staff at Home Instead and Integrity Hospice for their excellent care.

Visitation will be held at Park Plaza Christian Church, Wednesday, August 10, 5:00-7:00 PM. Graveside Service will be Thursday, August 11, 10:00 AM, at Forest Park Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.