Mr. Lawrence Allen “Dude” Dominguez, a veteran of Ponchatoula, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 23, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and wife of over 75 years. Dude was born on February 7, 1918 and was 102.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Bertha T. Dominguez; sons, Larry Dominguez and his wife Jeannie, Glenn Dominguez and his wife Brenda, and daughter, Kerry Parris; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Julie, Darrell, Amy, Brittany, Joshua, Kayla, Brayden, and Darrion; and great-great-granddaughter, Harper.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Bertha C. Dominguez, and sister, Mildred Dominguez.
Lawrence was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy having served his country in the Pacific during WWII. After serving 5 years, he returned to Ponchatoula as a strawberry farmer and enrolled in barber school. Lawrence retired from the barber business after 35+ years in 1991. Lawrence dedicated the next 20+ years to volunteering at North Oaks Medical Center, where he dedicated over 6000 hours.
Lawrence was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula, a lifetime member of the Knight of Columbus, VFW, and 70-year member of the American Legion.
He received the following awards in his lifetime: The Presidential Citation as part of the 1st Marine Division that landed on Guadalcanal, The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal, Certificate on Continuous Membership for 70 years with The American Legion, and Volunteer of The Year Award from North Oaks Medical Center.
Lawrence (Paw Paw Dude) was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, as well as an exemplary role model. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, fishing, working in his shop, and gardening. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife and family.
Due to the COVID-19 precautions, a private service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
