We have been invited by the family of Louis “Lou” Edmund Deniz, 94, to attend the Military Honors of their loved one. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Louis Edmund Deniz was born July 13, 1931, to Luiz and Mabel Deniz in Turlock, CA. He was raised on a dairy farm in Gustine, California where he helped his father milk cows before he went to school.
On his 19th birthday Lou enlisted in the US Navy. Early in his Navy career, he served on two mine sweeper/destroyers during the Korean War. One mine sweeper hit a mine and there were only 12 survivors, including Lou. Lou served in the Korean War, The Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Lou eventually became an Electrician’s Mate 2 on three different submarines. He was most proud of his submarine service.
Lou moved to San Diego in 1963, courtesy of the US Navy. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Lou started his own upholstery business in Escondido. Lou also worked at the Escondido Union High school district in the mid 1970’s as a maintenance worker, transferring to the San Marcos Unified School District where he was employed for many years. Upon retirement he went to work for the Julian Water District, but shortly thereafter returned to the San Marcos School District attaining the position of Chief of Maintenance prior to his full retirement. He moved to Warner Springs where he continued to work as a handyman until 2014.
Lou loved playing cards and bingo. He loved good food, especially Chinese food, and seafood. He loved his family. He was a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for more than 50 years. He also was a member of the Lions Club International and the Veterans of Foreign War.
Lou leaves behind twelve children: Michelle Whitaker (Bill) of California, Alex Deniz (Cindy) of Georgia, Louie Deniz (Lorraine) of Texas, Willie Deniz (deceased), Diana Baker of South Carolina, Linda Baker of Texas, Susan Baker of Alabama, Linda Cormany (deceased), Wanda Laubscher (Lane) of Florida, Alice Nelson (Stephen) of Louisiana, Joyce Schmidt (David) of Missouri, and Jo Anne Nelson (Chris) of California. He also had one nephew, Kenneth Rocha (deceased) and two nieces, Cynthia Schoniger and Christine Mumford of California.
He had 26 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren for a total of 80 offspring.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all PGR members are welcome. This Mission will be an accompaniment from the McLeod Mortuary to Miramar National Cemetery, approx. 28 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
The weather is expected to be hot so please eat something light and stay hydrated. It can make all the difference in withstanding the heat.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY 29 AUG 20251100 - Stage at McLeod Mortuary, 1919 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Key1LMeu3v2CyqHF7 1115 - Briefing
1130 - KSU for Miramar
1230 - Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r3gn6c7g5niVL6WY8 13:00 - Flag Line of Honor, followed by Service with Military Honors
R/C Robert “Chopper Bob” Mahoney
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain(760) 201-7905
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
