Louis Peter Girodo, former Las Animas County Sheriff, passed away on February 12, 2016 at St. Mary Corwin Hospital .
He was 82.
He was born in Hoehne, Colorado on July 4, 1934, son of Charlotte (Simpleman) and Frank Girodo.
Lou attended area schools, graduating from Holy Trinity High School in 1952.
On July 16, 1956, Lou was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Mary Lou Garbo at Holy Trinity Church in Trinidad, CO.
In his early years he worked at KCRT as a DJ for 5 years.
He also had a band, Lou’s Crew, performing at various events for 30 years.
Lou had a lifetime career in Law Enforcement. He was the first to graduate from the Colorado Law Enforcement Academy.
He was employed for the Trinidad Police Department for 5 years, the District Attorney’s Third Judicial Office for 17 years and served as Las Animas County Sheriff for 16 years.
He was a Law Enforcement instructor at TSJC, was a member of the Las Animas County Search and Rescue Unit ,was also a criminal Hypnosis Investigator and was well known all over the world for his investigative work involving cattle mutilations, which was documented in a television special . Lou was a member of the County of Sheriffs of Colorado.
Lou formerly chaired Model Cities, the Housing Authority Board, 911 Authority Board, and the Tourism Board.
He was a volunteer travel consultant at the Colorado Welcome Center, and also was a Red Cross AARP driving instructor.
In 2002, Lou was awarded the Chenoweth Award.
He was active in area politics and was Democratic Chairman for the 16th precinct.
He proudly served in the United States National Guard and was a member of the American Legion .
He was also a member of the NRA and charter member of the Archery Club.,
Lou was a Charter Member of the Trinidad Toast Master Club, member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, member of the Eagles Lodge, former member of the Kiwanis and Rotary Club, Trinidad Round Up Association, 5&2 Club, Sorority Envoy Member, member of the Trinidad Italian Club, Senior Citizen and Supper Club.
Lou was a member of Holy Trinity Parish where he served as a Lector. He was a 4th Degree member of the Grand Knights of Columbus, Assembly 3541 ,Council 1072.
He enjoyed archery, archeology, fishing and hunting.
He NEVER met a stranger and put a smile on everyone’s face.
Left to remember precious moments are, wife Mary Lou Girodo, daughter Gaylene (Patrick) Finney, sons Kenney (Bonnie) Girodo, Joseph (JoAnn) Girodo, grandchildren, Beth (Miles) McCabe, Seth (Kara) Thurston, Krystal (Garett) Wyman, Greg (Kiesha) Girodo, Jessi and Joshua Girodo, 10 great grandchildren who adored him, brothers Frank (Marie) Girodo, Pueblo, Bob Girodo, Bullhead City, AZ, numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and a host of friends and colleagues.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
