Louis James Scherer

Louis James Scherer, lovingly known as "Lou," passed away on November 7, 2024, at the age of fifty-three. Born on May 12, 1971, Louis grew up in South Florida, and his life was defined by deep devotion to service, family, and friendship.

In August 1989, Lou joined the United States Army and began a distinguished military career that took him around the world. His deployments included Kuwait, Iraq, and Germany, where he formed close bonds with fellow servicemen and women. A decorated soldier of Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War, Lou received numerous awards, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Saudi-Kuwait Liberation Medal. His dedication was further recognized with the Senior Aircraft Crewman's Badge and Air Assault Badge, reflecting his skill, courage, and loyalty to his country. Following his military service, Lou was recruited by Boeing for his expertise with Apache helicopters, beginning a 25-year career in program management and business development. During his time with Boeing, Lou earned an MBA in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and supported defense services for over a dozen countries. Highly respected for his knowledge, reliability, and "don't quit" attitude, he made a lasting impact on his field and was deeply valued by colleagues and friends alike.

Louis is survived by his beloved wife, Taffee Cardenas-Scherer, of Choctaw, Oklahoma; his father, John W. Scherer II, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; his sister, Stephanie Scherer Ignatonis, and her husband, David Ignatonis of Swampscott, Massachusetts; his nieces, Ashley Hammell of Brooklyn, New York, and Lily Jordan Hammell of Tampa, Florida; his grandmother-in-law, Elisa Minton; his father-in-law, Carlos Cardenas; his mother-in-law, Luisabell Cardenas; his sister-in-law, Frances LaSalvia, and her husband, Michael LaSalvia; his uncles, James and John Browett of Florida; and his loyal pets, Bear and Lola. Louis was preceded in death by his mother, Maureen Browett, and grandmother, Margie Jean Snipes.

Louis lived a life rich in love, service, and friendship. A passionate traveler, music lover, and skilled griller, he brought family and friends together around the table. His military brothers and sisters held a special place in his heart, as did his faith community, where he found joy in worship and fellowship.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hatfield Funeral Home in Sierra Vista, AZ. Rosary and Mass will follow on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista, AZ, followed by vehicle procession and interment service at the Southern Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery located at 1300 S Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting disabled veterans and their families, or to Military REBOOT Recovery, a faith-based, peer-led trauma recovery service for veterans, in honor of Lou's legacy of service and dedication.

Louis James Scherer's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis James Scherer, please visit our floral store.