"Papa Louie"

A couple of weeks ago I stood at my Grandfather's bedside as he passed into eternity with Jesus. He had been suffering from breathing complications after a recent heart surgery. "Papa Louie"(pictured left), as my daughter Emmy lovingly called him, was a really simple guy who loved to talk about cars, my travels, and his grandchildren. He was a man of many words, few of them food for thought. We adored his simplicity and never questioned his love. I'll miss him greatly.

If you'd like to hear some of the songs I chose for his viewing and funeral, I published an "imix" at itunes named "Funeral for Grandpa"


Louis G. Hirth, 75, of Toledo, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, from The Toledo Hospital. The oldest son of Louis W. and Luella F. (Brown) Hirth, he was born on July 7, 1932, in South Toledo, where he spent most of his life. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and it was while serving in the military that he met the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Clara, who preceded him in death on March 17, 2005. Louis owned and managed Hirth's Sohio, located on the corner of Arlington and Woodsdale, during the late 60's and early 70's, with his father who preceded him in death in 1985. He had previously managed the Sohio station on Spencer Ave. He loved cars and he enjoyed collecting scale model vehicles. He was a generous and loving father, grandfather, great-grand-father and brother, who will be greatly missed by family and friends. He attended Calvary Assembly of God for the past 15 years. Survivors include daughters, Gail (Gary) Hammitt, Etta Hirth of Enterprise, AL, Pam (Jon) Hughes; grandchildren, Aaron (Tara) Hammitt, Matthew (Sarah) Hammitt, Yasmenda (Jay) Neal and Solomon Hughes; great-grandchildren, Ian, Ella, Emmy and Claire Hammitt, and James Fordham Jr.; sisters, Laura (Russell) Watters of Lakeside, CA, Carole Curtiss and brother, Daryl Hirth; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; older sister, Delores Floro, and younger brothers, Larry and Jerry Hirth.