Joseph Earl Gauthreaux

Joseph E. Gauthreaux, 87, of Biloxi passed away Thursday, July 26, 2007 at his home. Mr. Gauthreaux was a native and life-long resident of Biloxi except for two years spent in Pensacola, FL. While there, he was employed at the Pensacola Naval Air Station prior to his induction into the military in 1944. While in Pensacola he met the love of his life, Mary Helena Gates. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy during World War II primarily aboard the U.S.S. Dixie in the Pacific Theatre. Following World War II, Mr. Gauthreuax returned to Biloxi and became a partner with his father in Gauthreaux Machine Shop, founded in 1932. Affectionateley known as Mr. Joe, he was known as a skilled craftsman in the manufacture and repair of equipment used in the seafood industry. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Biloxi where he served as a deacon and was named an Honorary Lifetime Deacon. He was a Master Mason with Magnolia Lodge 120, Biloxi. In 1984 Mr. Joe sold his manufacturing and machinery business. During his retirement years, he and his wife enjoyed traveling with friends and family, visiting out-of-town relatives, and golfing with friends. Mr. Joe was the only child of Joseph A. and Theresa (Byrd) Gauthreaux who preceded him in death. His loving wife of 64 years, Helena, survives him. He is also survived by two daughters; Mary Jo Gauthreaux Childress and her husband David; their children, Molly Childress Humphries and her husband Carson of Jackson, MS; and Katie Childress of Oxford, MS; Nancy Gauthreaux Pledger and her husband Jim of Natchitoches, LA and their children; Sally Pledger of Tulsa, OK, Joe Pledger of Baton Rouge, LA and Trent Pledger of Natchitoches, LA. A Funeral service will be held 11:00am Saturday, July 28, 2007 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Biloxi. Where friends may call one hour prior to service. Interment will be in Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. View and sign register book @www.bradfordokeefe.com