Robert I. “Chops” Lalumondier, 96, of Crystal City died Jan. 6, 2019, at Crystal Oaks Skilled Nursing Facility. Mr. Lalumondier worked at PPG Industries for 44 years, mostly in the wareroom. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy who served aboard the USS Charles J. Badger in the Europe-Africa and Asian-Pacific Theaters until his honorable discharge in 1946. He was a lifelong participant in various sports teams, including the Twin City Reds of the Ozark Baseball League and the four-time league champion Vinyard’s softball team. He was a star halfback for Crystal City High School and at Tarkio College, and was a champion sprinter for CCHS, setting Mineral Area records in the 220-yard and 440-yard dashes. His 880-yard relay team set a class B state record in 1939. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and was a life member of Elks Lodge 1721, Eagles Aerie 4341, American Legion Post 253 and VFW Post 3777. Born July 14, 1922, in Crystal City, he was the son of the late August Louis “Gus” and Blanche Mary (LaRose) Lalumondier. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years: Naomi “Cookie” (Cook) Lalumondier.
He is survived by three sons: Steven (Bobette) Lalumondier of Hillsboro, David (Karen) Lalumondier of Festus and Jeffrey (Patty) Lalumondier of Decatur, Ill.; seven grandchildren: Lori (John) Thiel of Sharon, Pa., Kristine Branham of Festus, Robert Lalumondier of Ashburn, Va., Jonathon (Lesley) Lalumondier of Festus, Kami (Shaun) Bower of Grove City, Ohio, Megan (Brent) Cahill of Hilliard, Ohio, and Erin (Luke) Meese of Festus; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by three sisters: Ada (the late Stanley) Marler, Hilda B. (the late Raymond) Fults and Thelma P. Lalumondier: two brothers: Adam (the late Corinne) Lalumondier and John (Jacqueline) Lalumondier; and a granddaughter: Rae Lynn Lalumondier.
Private services will be held at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus, officiated by Pastor Joseph Skiles. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.