Lt. Col. Louis Prestwood, Jr., USAF Ret.

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Lt. Col. Louis Marion Prestwood Jr., USAF Ret., died on Fri., Nov. 21, in Fort Walton Beach.
A graveside service was held at the family plot in Magnolia Cemetery on Mon., Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. To honor him and his enduring passion for “First Lady,” the AC-130 Gunship that was the first of its kind, a memorial service will be held today, Tues., Nov. 25, at 10 a.m. at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base where this historic aircraft is located.
Born in Meridian, Miss., Jan. 16, 1926, to Inez Howell and Louis M. Prestwood Sr., Louis spent his formative years in Andalusia under the tutelage of his beloved aunts, Naomi and Ruth Prestwood. A graduate of Andalusia High School, he held degrees from the University of Alabama and the University of Northwest Florida. His military career began in his teens and extended from 1943-1970. As a pilot in the U.S. Air Force throughout the world, including Europe and South East Asia, he brought honor to himself and to his country. Following his retirement from the service he became a real estate appraiser, starting his own business with a close friend. Together they served the greater Fort Walton Beach and Destin areas.
Proud of his family heritage, he conducted extensive genealogical research into the history of the Prestwoods tracing their roots back many generations and engaging the aid of family members in England. For a number of years he organized Prestwood family reunions, which were held annually in Andalusia.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; their four children, R. Scott Prestwood, Robin Prestwood Wache, W. Tracy Prestwood and Lisa Prestwood Aldape; and 11 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “C130 Restoration Fund for ‘First Lady’” to restore and repaint this aircraft which he loved the most. Contributions may be sent to 228 Sotir Street, NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548-4264.