Obituary of Louis Daniel Hungerford

Louis Daniel Hungerford passed away peacefully at home in Soquel on September 14, 2015 with his loving family at his side. He was 99. Louis was born June 18, 1916 in Gueydan, Louisiana to Edgar and Valerie Hungerford. He was raised and went to school in Lake Arthur, Louisiana, with his four older siblings. Louis's mother spoke French so the children spoke both English and French. At age 3 his family moved to Deming, New Mexico hoping the climate would help his father's failing health. Two years later they returned to Lake Arthur where his father passed away due to TB when Louis was only 7 years old. As a teenager Louis enjoyed riding and racing his horses. He also broke wild horses and searched for other work. In 1935, with $30 in his pocket, Louis and four friends, including his cousin Claude Bailey, drove five days straight in a Model A Ford coup to California seeking job opportunities. Louis met Marie Hickey, part of a Soquel pioneer family, and his heart was set on her. As the Depression continued, Louis picked apples, made bean poles at Olive Springs saw mill, and worked at Monterey Bay Heights Golf Course until it closed. When he started a job with Pacific Bell, Louis and Marie were married. Louis served in WW II. After training with the 59th Signal Battalion, he went home on furlough to meet his son Dan for the first time. In January 1944 Louis's unit left from New York for England, then to France, Belgium and eventually Germany. They ran cable behind lines to maintain telephone and telegraph communications for the Allies. Speaking French, Louis often acted as an interpreter. After the war, Louis joined his family who were temporarily living in San Francisco where his daughter Judy was born in 1946. Later the family moved into Marie's old family home in Soquel. Louis had resumed working for the telephone company and retired in 1981 after 40 years of service. He was praised for careful, accurate work, and a 40 year safe driving record. In retirement Louis fulfilled a dream by building a new home, which he did almost singlehandedly; Marie's dream of living in a new home was also fulfilled. Marie passed away in 1989. In 1992, Louis married Dorothy Jean Keefe and enjoyed her companionship. Louis had a garden every year and there was always plenty for friends and neighbors. He loved animals, and having his children nearby. He was gifted in building and fixing almost anything. He often used his own innovative techniques to get his projects done. He was preceded in death by his first wife Marie and his siblings, Joe, John, Bunice and Cora. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Jean Keefe; children Dan and Judy; grandson Steve; great-granddaughter Ashley; Step-daughter Kathy Cornell Meserve; cousin Bernie Bourriague; and numerous nieces and nephews. Louis will be greatly missed by his family and friends Thank you to Dr. David Pilcher and Heartland Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory the American Heart Association, Santa Cruz SPCA or your favorite charity. Visitation will be held between 1:00 and 2:00 pm Monday September 21, 2015 at Oakwood Memorial Chapel, Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz followed by a gravesite service.