Louie Wade Rash

Captain Louie Wade Rash, U.S.N., Retired, age 96, died on Saturday, November 18, 2006, at his home in Gulfport, Mississippi. Born in Robinson, Texas, near Waco, on June 15, 1910, Mr. Rash retired to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1960 following a distinguished naval career. He had lived in Gautier, Pass Christian, Biloxi, and for the past twenty years, in Gulfport. During World War II, Mr. Rash was highly decorated for his service in the Pacific Theater. Among his citations are the Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Rash survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as damage control officer aboard the USS Honolulu, a heavy cruiser. The ship was badly damaged but after repairs, went on to fight in several major battles in the push up the Pacific Islands toward Tokyo. When his ship was torpedoed in the Battle of Tassafaronga, in the Solomons, then LT(JG) Rash led damage control efforts that saved the ship and earned him the Bronze Star, "for outstanding performance of duty under enemy fire." Mr. Rash was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Nell Shoemaker Rash, his parents, Robert Jackson and Elizabeth Rash, as well as three sisters and two brothers. Survivors include his companion of twenty years, Glenda Rogers of Gulfport, MS., a son, Louis Dwayne Rash, and his daughter, Darlene Stuart, both of Biloxi, MS., a brother, Wallace Reid Rash of Sargent, Texas, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. On Friday, December 8, 2006, there will be a 1:30 PM graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. On Saturday, December 9, 2006, there will be an 11 AM Memorial Service at Bethel Lutheran Church on Pass Road in Biloxi. Mr. Rash was an active member and supporter of Bethel Lutheran Church, the Gulf Coast Symphony, and Biloxi Center Stage. In lieu of flowers a memorial may be made to one of these organizations, or to the charity of choice. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.