Dayton Hollis Waller Jr.

Dayton Hollis Waller, Jr.

Dayton Hollis Waller, Jr., age 90, went on to be with his Lord quietly and peacefully on May 26, 2015 at home. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Fern Reynolds Waller and his parents, Dayton Hollis Waller and Elisabeth Lane Waller. He is survived by his children, Dayton Hollis Waller, III, Elizabeth "Sissy" Waller Johnson (Walter Fair), Elaine Waller Moreau (Doug), and Kathryn Waller Long (Donnie) and his half-brother, Hollis Ray Waller, 15 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

A native of Shreveport, Dayton attended C.E. Byrd High School where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. During his senior year of high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a military policeman. Upon his return from military service, Dayton received his high school diploma. He then continued his education at Centenary College where he again played basketball for the varsity team and at 6 feet 6 inches tall was nicknamed "Treetop". Dayton was also a member of the social fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order.

Dayton, Jr.'s interest in agriculture and aviation led to his ownership and operation of an aerial application company called the "Dixie Dusting Company". He also raised cattle, corn and cotton on Halifax Plantation in Natchitoches Parish. Upon retiring from farming, he opened the Evangeline Restaurant where one could enjoy a wonderful meal, hear colorful jokes and tall tales, as well as the latest political news.

Always concerned about having good city and state government, Dayton accepted appointments to the Caddo Parish Levee Board under Governors Jimmie Davis, John J. McKeithen and David Treen. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1968 and was a member of the Louisiana I-49 Expressway Authority. Dayton was a member of the Board of Directors of his family-owned real estate development and management businesses, the C.W. Lane and Giddens-Lane Companies. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Pioneer Bank and Trust.

Dayton was a member of various social and community organizations, including the Plantation Club, Demoiselle Club, Cotillion Club, Shreveport Club, Ark-La-Tex Gun Collector's Association; he was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a charter member of the National World War II Museum, the Forty and Eight as well as the American Legion Lowe- McFarland Post 14.

Dayton was a member of First Baptist Church of Shreveport where, in times past, he actively served as a church usher and on the Board of Directors. He and his wife, Fern, donated the Bridal Suite in honor to God for their children.

Dayton, Jr. always lived life to the fullest in every way and is now celebrating his new life and home in Heaven. Affectionately known in the family as "The Modifier", nothing around him escaped the possibility of an alteration, even his funeral service has been slightly "modified". A private family burial will take place. The family will receive friends for visitation in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Shreveport at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015.

Special thanks to Edna, Francis, Tuiquitta, Lashonda, Mary and others for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, 7200 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203 or the First Baptist Church of Shreveport, 543 Ockley Drive, Shreveport, LA 71106.