Herman Melvin Armour, Sr.

1929 - 2026

Herman Melvin Armour, Sr.  entered eternal rest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the age of 97. He was born on April 29, 1929, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Palmyra M. Armour, originally of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Henry H. Armour of Memphis, Tennessee. At the age of three, Herman relocated with his family to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was raised and built the foundation of a life centered on faith, family, service, and community leadership.

Herman attended Joseph A. Craig Elementary School and later Booker T. Washington High School. As one of seven siblings, he learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, and unity at an early age.  A proud patriot and dedicated servant of his country, Herman enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served from 1946 to 1948 as part of the post-World War II occupation forces stationed in Korea and Japan. His military service reflected the discipline, integrity, and commitment that would define the rest of his life.

On November 4, 1949, Herman married the love of his life, Wilhelmina Rose Armour. Together they shared a loving and devoted marriage for nearly 74 years until her passing on October 17, 2023. Their union was blessed with six children and built upon faith, strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love for family. In 1953, Herman and Wilhelmina relocated to St. John the Baptist Parish and established their permanent home in Reserve, Louisiana, where they created a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Throughout his career, Herman worked for several companies, including International News, Godchaux-Henderson Sugar Refinery, and Bayou Steel. He became widely respected for his dedication to organized labor and advocacy for working families. Herman served as President of the Godchaux-Henderson Sugar Refinery CIO Federation Union and later as Vice President of the American Federation of Labor Union for the State of Louisiana. His leadership, wisdom, and commitment to fairness earned him admiration throughout his community.

A faithful member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Herman lived a life deeply rooted in faith and service. He was also passionate about advocating for senior citizens and improving healthcare access throughout Louisiana. Through his involvement with AARP, Herman served as the sole representative for Jefferson, St. John, St. James, and St. Charles Parishes. He worked tirelessly as an AARP lobbyist fighting for pharmaceutical rights and healthcare protections for senior citizens. In addition, he served for two years as the State of Louisiana Director of Health Care Access and Affordability for AARP.

Herman will forever be remembered for his wisdom, strength, humility, unwavering work ethic, and unconditional love for his family. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his sons: Mark Armour Sr. (Maxine), Stephen Armour Sr., Jason Armour (Kim), and Michael Armour, Jr. (Seema); his brother, Lewis Anthony Armour; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives, and dear friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, guidance, and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilhelmina Rose Armour; his parents, Palmyra Armour and Henry H. Armour; his daughter, Palmyra Armour; his sons, Herman “Skippy” Armour and Michael Armour Sr.; his father-in-law, Wilfred Bernard; his mother-in-law, Francis Keller Bernard; and his siblings, Alva A. Bernard, Beulah Bernard, Martinez Conduit, Manuel Armour, John Armour, and Charles Armour.

Herman’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, leadership, and love. His legacy will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Relatives and friends family are invited to the Memorial Service at 2:00pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Bot's Place, 2810 W. Airline Hwy, Laplace, LA 70068.  Entombment St. Peter Catholic Mausoleum 1550 LA-44, Reserve, LA 70084.  Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC.  605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.  985-359-1919.  "Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission."