Louis William Moran

Louis Moran passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2017, in Billings. Louie was born on Dec. 4, 1918, in Geddes, South Dakota, to William Christopher and Marie (Philipps) Moran. He was the oldest of six children. His family relocated to Conrad in 1928 as the Great Depression began. He worked for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the late '30s and the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940 to help support his parents and siblings. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1941, faithfully serving his country during World War II. He served on the USS Henderson early in his naval career and the USS Honolulu, where he achieved the rating of Machinist's Mate 1st Class. Louie was stationed in Pearl Harbor when it was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941. His ship received minimal damage and continued active service in the Pacific Theater. Louie was honorably discharged in December 1946.

Louie married the love of his life, Ann Kimmet, on Jan. 25, 1955. He was employed by Peavey Grain Elevator in Conrad until his retirement in 1980. He and Ann enjoyed retirement in Quartzsite and Cottonwood, Arizona, traveled in the U.S. (including several trips to Alaska) and finally settled in Helena.

Louie was a jack-of-all-trades and master of many! He had a strong work ethic and enjoyed teaching his daughters life skills (like changing spark plugs and tires, as well as bicycle repairs). His sense of humor kept us all smiling. He was devoted to his family, leaving us a legacy of faith and love. His grandchildren will always remember playing Rummikub and other games with him and Grandma.

Louie is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Ann, in 2004; his parents; brothers Terance, Frank and Leo; and sisters Catherine and Dorothy.

He is survived by his daughters, Marie Moran of East Helena and Martha Moran of Billings; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A vigil service will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. in Billings. Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Sts. Cyril and Methodius in East Helena. Interment will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, in the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.