Louis J. Degenhardt

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Louis J. Degenhardt, age 86, beloved husband of Mary Esther Williams Degenhardt, died Monday, April 9, 2007, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of the late George Steven and Matilda Ann Lawrence Degenhardt, Maj. Degenhardt was a 30-year veteran, having been a P-51 fighter pilot during World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Clusters while serving in the European Theater of Operations. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he worked with the Sumter Police Department where he became chief of detectives. Following that, he became a special investigator with SLED, working for the Sumter County District Attorney. An avid golfer, Maj. Degenhardt was a member of Sunset Country Club, where he was club champion for many years.

Survivors in addition to his wife are two daughters, Karen (John) Bullington of Rock Hill and Linni (Bill) Mayo of Columbia; two sisters, Jean Beck of Elizabethtown, Pa., and Sally Degenhardt of Myrtle Beach; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Gretchen Degenhardt.

A memorial service with full military honors was held Saturday, April 14, 2007, at the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.

Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter was in charge of the arrangements.