Louis Vernon "Dutch" Ehret, Jr., age 99, passed away on July 2, 2023, at his home in Greenwood surrounded by his three daughters.

He was born 1924, in Gretna, Louisiana to the late Louis V. Ehret, Sr. and the late Elvine Prejean Ehret Burke.   His grandfather, John Ehret, was one of Gretna's founding fathers and its first mayor, and today a high school in Marrero, LA is named in his honor.

Dutch graduated from Gretna High School in 1941 and went to work for McKesson and Robbins in New Orleans as a clerk making 21cents an hour.

He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II.  He was part of the European Theater of Operation (ETO), with the 554 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion and was attached to the 29th Infantry Division.

Dutch went to basic training at Camp Hulen in Palacios, Texas.  After basic training, he went to Tennessee Maneuvers for 3 months to train for overseas.  Additional training was done in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Camp Stewart, Georgia.

Prior to shipping out, Dutch was located at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.  There he boarded the Queen Mary and sailed to the Firth of Clyde, Scotland which took 5 1/2 days.  He landed near Andrew's Golf Course.  He went through Edinburgh, Scotland to Gillingham, England.  He shipped out to France to Omaha Beach and landed D Day + 3 (June 9).  He fought in four major battles, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe.  He earned four medals for his three-year service.

February 1, 1947, Dutch started with Gulf Oil Corporation in the Maison Blanche building on Canal Street in New Orleans.  He was a tour guide which was a part of the merchandizing department.  One year later he was promoted to a retail marketer traveling to service stations promoting Gulf Oil products.

In 1947 Dutch met Mary Manale on a blind date.  It was love at first dance!  They were married in 1948 and lived in Algiers, LA, Gulfport and Hattiesburg before making their permanent home in Greenwood.  Married for 65 years, Dutch and Mary loved to dance and listen to New Orleans jazz.

After 36 years, Dutch retired from Gulf Oil. During his career he attended Dale Carnegie classes, Toastmasters classes and spoke to schools and civic groups throughout Mississippi about the oil business.  He will be forever remembered as an expert storyteller with a remarkable memory for details. He enjoyed cooking and was known to make delicious red beans and rice, red gravy, and boiled shrimp.

Dutch was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Toastmasters and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

In his younger years, he was an avid bowler, playing on Star Taylor's team which bowled every Tuesday night.  He played the game of golf most of his life, continuing to play on the Senior Circuit until his 80's.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Manale and survived by their three daughters, Nancy and Susan Ehret of Greenwood, and Janet Ehret (Duane Knoll) of Fort Worth.  Brother of the late Alvin L. Ehret, Sr. (the late Letha Pares Ehret) the late Evelyn Ehret Orgeron (the late Norman Orgeron), the late Helen Ehret Bach (the late Eugene Bach, Jr.) and the late Ivy J. Ehret (Norma Calzada Ehret).  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His daughters have the deepest gratitude and love for Matt and Robin Smith, who have faithfully shared themselves and their children with the Ehret's.

A special thank you to Mr. Robin Henry for the touching recognition of Dutch's World War II service by the Mississippi National Guard and forever grateful to Dr. Kenneth Hines for his wisdom, guidance and compassion.

A private service will be held for the immediate family.

Those who choose to give a gift in memory of Dutch are asked to make a donation to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (511 W. Washington Street, Greenwood, Mississippi, 38930).