U. S. Army Veteran, Major General Louis W. Prentiss, Will Be Remembered for Service to Nation and Service to Community
Public Invited to Memorial Service for A Man of Valor, Family, Friendship and Community, March 28, 9:00 a.m., the Anthem Veterans Memorial, Anthem, AZ.
On January 26th 2026, 607 members of the West Point class of 1950 solemnly gathered for Taps Vigil. Slowly, the large golden gates opened to reveal a lone figure marching crisply to join the formation. Whispers of "Who is it?" were soon answered by the Class President who shouted, "It's 'Happy!" A cheer arose from the crowd, many of whom hadn't seen their friend since they were called to the afterlife during the Korean War. Known in his younger years as "Happy,” Louis W. Prentiss had finally rejoined his classmates, friends, and family who had gone before him, having fulfilled his life's work on earth. The vigil broke into a joyous reunion, where Happy circulated amongst his friends to catch up on decades lost by separation. They now numbered 608.
Louis Prentiss had many titles in his 98 years, reflecting a life of service, leadership, sacrifice, achievement, and family. Those who knew him as a cadet were thrilled to hear that he rose to achieve the rank of Major General before his honorable retirement.
Those who called him "Lieutenant" or "Captain" reminisced of old times serving abroad, handing Lou a guitar and prompting him to play a Flamenco tune that he picked up while stationed in Peru. The friends who served with him as a field grade officer talked about their boating trips with the families on the Potomac, and asked again what seasoning he used to fry the fish they caught together. Those who served with him for longer and knew him as General, asked if he wanted to join them for a few holes of Golf later that day to talk about their days in Vietnam - "the courses up here are divine!"
Those who are left here on earth to grieve knew him as "dad,” "Grandpa Lou,” and "love.” We will remember him for his service to this nation, but more importantly we remember him for his dedication to his family, his gentleness, his love for life, his refusal to let age slow him down. He was never too busy for a game of chess with his grandkids, or a word of advice and mentorship for those who looked up to him as a leader. He whistled when working around the house and skied much longer than his doctors said was "safe.” He loved a good blue crab dinner, bridge with friends, and a good book by the fire with a cat curled up at his side. He wrote a book about his experiences, not for self-promotion but to teach his family about his service to the country he loved so much.
Lou was an active volunteer and board member in the communities in which he lived. He spent the last twenty-five years in Anthem, Arizona where he served on the Anthem Community Council and numerous homeowner association committees. He was instrumental in securing the city approval for the build of the Anthem Veterans Memorial, now an Arizona State Landmark. He assisted in AVM fundraising activities, spoke at numerous veteran ceremonies there and volunteered to assist in youth educational classes to help teach future generations about military history and the importance for honoring veterans and those currently serving. He also was active in various nonprofits and is remembered by community members as the gentle soul who always gave a helping hand and instilled wisdom along the way.
Lou is survived by many family members and friends who loved him dearly, to include the love of his last 38 years, Shirley, who held him as he passed on from this life. His five children, and nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren will remember him as the gentle and generous soul that he was.
He will be interred at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
A memorial service will be held at the Anthem Veterans Memorial, Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to celebrate his life and to pay tribute to this distinguished United States Army veteran and man of honor, service and good will.
The Anthem Veterans Memorial is located in the Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem, AZ 85086. For additional information, contact Elizabeth Turner, 623-640-8417, ElizabethTurnerUS@yahoo.com.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in memory of Major General Louis W. Prentiss, can be made through donations to the West Point Association of Graduates, West Point Long Gray Line Endowment, 698 Mills Road, West Point, New York, 10996 with checks payable to the West Point Association of Graduates or the Honor a Veteran Fund of the Anthem Way Foundation, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem, Arizona, 85086 with checks payable to the Anthem Way Foundation/Honor a Veteran. This fund honors veterans through pavers in the AVM who otherwise could not afford to do so
"They are here in ghostly assemblage. The men of the Corps long dead. And our hearts are standing attention, while we wait for their passing tread."
The Corps, (Song) by West Point Chaplain, Bishop H.S. Shipman.