Obituary of Arthur Lourant

Arthur "Chico" Lourant took his first breath into this world on March 30, 1929 in Tucson, Az, as the fourth child born to Pearl and Lawrence Lourant. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; brother, Thaddeus Lourant; sister, Mary Margaret Lourant-Muck; niece, Geraldine Tucker-Anderson; nephew, Thaddeus "Buddy" Morrison and his dear wife's best friend; Takako Kondo-Fushiharu, who was considered and adored like a sister to him for many years. Arthur lived an incredible life from the very start. He knew at a young age that he wanted to travel the world and was able to do so, and was lucky to become fluent in over 10 languages over the course of his travels. His life changed forever when he moved to Japan and married the love of his life; Chieko Tanaka, in Tokyo; 1972. The bond between Arthur and Chieko is not one that can be broken by death or described in a few sentences. This eternal union produced six beautful children, including five handsome Sons and one adorable Daughter. Arthur recieved his nickname "Chico" during his early years as an established actor in Japan in the 60's. He quickly became a household name and revered as the first "African-American Ninja", in many films with countless A-list actors and played a number of different characters in many timeless movies throughout his life in Japan. He also fought for his country in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, then dedicated his time in the civil services until his retirement in 1991. Arthur was also dedicated to the VFW, American Legion and Mason's, and continued helping others in his post-retirement through TUSD. He is survived by his beloved wife, "Chisai"; first born son, Dean Koichi Lourant and his wife Tomoko Oe Lourant; grandson Joel Koki and unborn baby girl; son, Chico Katsuo Lourant and wife Keiko; grandson; Jayce Kairi, granddaughter; Leah Kanon; grandson, Noah Kota; son, Rico Ken Lourant; son, Mark Kinya Lourant and wife Yukari; daughter, Pearl Kaoru Lourant-Misner and husband Michael; first born grandson, Kobe Adrian Lourant; granddaughter, Jordan Catherina Misner; youngest son, Arthur Kinya Lourant; nephew, Daisuke Fushiharu and wife Takako; great-nephew Luca Hideki; niece, Megumi Fushiharu; great- nephew Kimo Williams; first-cousin Dr. Laura Nobles Banks-Reed; nieces - Emily Morrison and Karen Johnson; nephew Daniel Morrison II; nephews Phil and Marvin Lourant, a host of beloved family members from California to Japan; countless caregivers, nurses and doctors at Devon Gables Healthcare Center who loved & cherished him and last but not least; many loyal friends around the world who stood by him until he took his last breath on Monday, July 20, 2015.