INDIAN LAND, SC – Louis Checkers died September 3, 2026. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on February 18, 1931. He attended St. Casimir Parochial School, was graduated from Rayen High School, and attended Youngstown College for a short time. Louis liked music and was part of the Glee Club throughout his high school years. He studied voice with Marjorie Brenner.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews including Debbie Selzer, Philip Blankenship, Jimmy DeCesare, and Ann Marie Carter. Close friends are the family of H. G. Fisher, Jr.: Mike and Julie Fisher and Jane and Tom McElhaney.

Louis moved to Encino, California to join his sister, Ann Blankenship, where he managed apartments and was active in establishing and operating several family-owned Steak House restaurants. He was also employed by Douglas Aircraft Publishing, where he was involved in publishing special aircraft instruction manuals.

After leaving California, Louis opened a restaurant in New York City called “The Plush Burger” which became a favorite spot for many Hollywood celebrities, local elite, and Broadway stars. The highly acclaimed Craig Claiborne, food editor for the New York Times, reviewed the restaurant for its outstanding food and decor.

Later, Louis moved to Florida and became a typesetter for several printing houses and magazines, one being “The Florida Golfer.” He also worked for over twelve years at “The Sharper Image” at the Waterside Shops in Naples.

Louis was predeceased by his long-time friend, H. G. Fisher, Jr. and by his mother, Bernice, and his father, Leon Checkoroski, Sr. He was also predeceased by his siblings: Edward, Leon Jr., Stanley, Sadie DeCesare, Marie Zaremba, and Ann Blankenship.

Louis was very active in the senior choir at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida, serving as soloist and helping to develop the chapel in memory of Rev. Herman G. Fisher, Sr.

A memorial service in celebration of the life of Mr. Checkers will be held at a later date. His ashes will be interred in the memorial garden at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of one’s choice.

An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com.

Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Louis Checkers.