On July 22, Louis R. Hermesman, 79, loving husband and father, passed away at Lake City Medical Center surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson's.

Louis was a small-town boy from Ambridge, Pa. He inherited his strong work ethic and sense of family growing up on the family farm.

Louis, at the young age of 16, enlisted in the U.S. Army. Two years later at age 18, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy.

While serving at the naval station in Jacksonville, Fla., he met and married the love of his life, Helen, on Nov. 24, 1958. They shared 60 years and eight children together.

Later in his life, Louis pursued his life's calling to the service of God. While providing for his family, Louis achieved a master's degree in theology and pastored a small country church in Lulu, Fla. His love for God touched many lives.

Preceding Louis into the arms of God were his parents, Louis J. and Ella Rae; and his younger brother, John T. Hermesman.

Louis is survived by his wife, Helen; and his children, Kim and Bill Allison of Lake City, Fla., Louis J. and Kathy Hermesman of Orlando, Fla., Bridget and Danny Bevan of Jacksonville, Fla., Dale and Mary Hermesman of Lake City, Fla., Karen and Darrell Callis of Day, Fla., Rebecca and Jeff MacGregor of Keystone Heights, Fla., Rachel and Chris Spano of Lake City, Fla., and Tabitha and Brad Long of Lake City, Fla.

Louis was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by three sisters, Laura Kerr, Jane Croom and Ruth Witkowski; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

HERMESMAN — As per his request, there will be no service for Louis R. Hermesman, who died Monday, July 22, 2019.There will be an interment at sea, provided by the U.S. Navy, Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, Fla.Arrangements have been entrusted to ICS Cremation & Funeral Home.

Thank You for your service.