E. Louis "Louis" McGee '53 November 18, 2024 3:27 PM updated: November 18, 2024 3:37 PM
E. Louis McGee
October 25, 1931 - October 4, 2024
A Memorial Service for E. Louis McGee, 92, will be Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 11 a.m., at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon Street, Shreveport, Louisiana. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. til the time of service. Officiating the service will be Reverend Kaylan Walker.
Louis was born on October 25, 1931 to Sallie Clara Quinn, and Norman Drue McGee in Gilmer, Texas and passed away in his sleep, Friday, October 4, 2024 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
He lived a long fruitful life of service. He said his most proud achievement was raising and educating his three daughters, Melinda, Mary Ellen, and Mollie Ann. The honor of his life was his 52-year marriage to Frances.
One of the closest relationships in his childhood was with his grandmother Miss Mollie McGee. After growing up in Gilmer, he left home to attend Texas A&M University, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. During his tenure at A&M, Louis took a break to complete his military service. The army sent him to Germany in 1952 to help in the restoration post WWII and during the Korean Conflict. After graduation Louis moved to Longview, TX where he met and married Francis Kay Leone.
In 1957, Louis became a Freemason, eventually joining both the Scottish and the York Rite. In the 1980’s, the Scottish Rite awarded him the honorary 33rd degree of masonry, an honor bestowed only to those who have made significant contributions to both the fraternity and to humanity. Louis was also an active member of the El Karubah Shrine Club, serving as Potentate in 1979. He also served as a member of the governing board of Shreveport’s Shrine hospital for 30+ years. His service to El Karubah, the Scottish Rite, and this hospital board continued, as he served as a leader, treasurer, and board member emeritus until well into his eighties.
In 1962, Louis and Frances with their daughter Melinda, moved to Shreveport. Louis began a more than 50-year career with the Dempolous and Ferguson Civil Engineering Firm. Rising to become president of the company, Louis worked on numerous projects, including designing and building portions of both I-20 and I-49.
That same year, Louis and Frances joined Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, and their Upper Room Sunday school class. Louis remained a faithful member of both for over 60 years.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Sallie Clara and Drue McGee; wife, Frances Kay; daughter, Melinda Sue, and his granddaughter, Mollie Drue Jayroe. He is survived by his daughters; Mary Ellen Jayroe and husband Joe, and Mollie Ann McGee; grandchildren, Bailey Jayroe Raphael and husband Dustin, and Alexander Louis Jayroe and great-grandchildren, Carson and Nora Raphael.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may made to the Melinda Sue McGee Memorial Scholarship at Louisiana Tech University, Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon St, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101, Shriners Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Ave, Shreveport, Louisiana 71103 or a charity of your choice.