Sr. USAF Retired John Mire Jolissaint

John M. Jolissaint, Sr., a resident of Ollie Steele Burden Manor and a native of Baton Rouge, La., passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the age of 95. He was a 1935 graduate of Catholic High School, where he was an All-State football player, and a graduate of LSU. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and served 28 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He was a combat veteran of WWII and Vietnam, a member of the 459th Bomb Group (B-24's), and squadron commander of the 759th Bomb Squadron, all part of the 15th Air Force. Among his military awards are the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (3 awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and Command Pilot Wings. At 28 years old, he was proud and privileged to lead and successfully complete the 200th bombing mission of the 459th over Augsburg, Germany. He was an active member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, the Ushers Society, and KC Council 969. He was also a member of the Military Officers Association of America, and the GBR Area Military Officers Association. He was an avid LSU football fan, and he and his wife Joyce were accomplished dancers. He was a member and past officer of men of Bal Masque. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joyce Lacy Jolissaint; two daughters: Beverly Schultz&husband Norm of Niceville, FL, and Pam Delaune&husband Bill of Prairieville, LA; three sons: John M. "Jack" Jolissaint&wife Anne Marie of Baton Rouge, Dr. Stephen Jolissaint&wife Kamille of Colleyville, TX, and Dr. James "Greg" Jolissaint&wife Debby of Woodstock, MD. In addition, he is survived by 16 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren; two sisters: Mary Ada Theriot, Elaine Aubin&her husband Bill; and numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents: John Edward Jolissaint&Delia Marguerite Landry Jolissaint; five brothers: Shirley, Ed, Murray, William "Dub" and James Jolissaint; two sisters: Emily "Sister" Fryou and Catherine Barthel. Visitation will held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2012. Visitation will resume Saturday at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Arun John, with full military honors to follow. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jeff, Brian and Tyler Delaune, Josh, John, Joe and Stephen Jr. Jolissaint and Chris Keating III. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Aubin, Ike Dugas, John Lacy and Tom Theriot. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic High School, 720 Hearthstone Drive, Baton Rouge, La. 70806. The entire Jolissaint family would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Ollie Steele Burden Manor for their compassionate care and commitment to the residents.