Louie Hirschowitz

ORAN, Mo. -- Louie J. Hirschowitz, 89, of Oran died Friday, March 30, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 24, 1917, at Oran, son of Max and Margaret Ellman Hirschowitz.

He was the beloved husband of Audrey Kaplan Hirschowitz. Mrs. Hirschowitz is formerly of St. Charles, Mo. They were married Feb. 16, 1944, and lifelong residents of Oran.

The loving brother of two deceased brothers and one deceased sister, our dear uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, cousin and friend to many will be deeply missed by his two loving companions, Fred and Bunny, the dogs.

Mr. Hirschowitz served in the Army from June 1941 to January 1946 and was overseas for six months. In 1947, he and his brother opened Hirschowitz Supply Store in Oran. Mr. Hirschowitz was an entrepreneur.

Mr. Hirschowitz served as mayor of Oran for three terms. He was also county and presiding commissioner for Scott County for 16 years. He also helped organize the first Mayors' Club of Southeast Missouri, and was president and member of the Missouri Association of Counties.

He also helped organize the Southeast Port Authority and the Scott County Historical Society.

He was also a member of VFW 5368, Morley Masonic Lodge 184, Morley Eastern Star 432 and Beth Jacobs Congregation in Carbondale, Ill.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today at Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road, St. Louis, with Rabbi John Franken officiating. Contributions to his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 225 S. Meramec Ave., Suite 1032, St. Louis, Mo., 63105.

Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel of St. Louis is in charge of arrangements.