Fred C. McClanahan Jr.

Fred C. McClanahan, Jr. (Lt. Colonel. USAF Ret.)

Another member of the "Great Generation" is gone. SHREVEPORT, LA - Fred C. McClanahan, Jr., 89, Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F. Retired, died in peace Saturday, July 21 in Shreveport with family by his side. Funeral services are planned for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, in the sanctuary of Broadmoor United Methodist Church with interment at Forest Park West. The family will receive visitors in the parlor of Broadmoor United Methodist Church beginning at noon prior to the service.

Mr. McClanahan was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in Homer, Louisiana, graduated from Centenary College, and later earned the Chartered Life Underwriter designation. In early 1941, he volunteered for the U. S. Army Air Corps and flew fighter missions in P-38s and P-51s in the European Theater. Among other awards, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Clusters, and the Purple Heart. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement. In 2000, he hosted a reunion of the 364th Fighter Group in Shreveport, where fellow defenders of freedom came together for what was, for many, the last time. Over the years that followed his military service, he worked as a general contractor and in the insurance industry.

Through the years, he was active in a number of civic organizations, most recently as a member of the South Shreveport Lions Club where he served as president and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was also involved in various capacities at Broadmoor Methodist Church, especially in the Couples Class, where he had served as class president. As a tutor for the Literacy Volunteers of America, he gave others the gift of reading.

He was preceded in death by parents Fred C. McClanahan, Sr. and Elsie B. McClanahan, a sister Mary V. Copp and brother Bill McClanahan. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Simpson McClanahan, two children Fred C. McClanahan III and his wife Lydia, and Elizabeth M. Waldmann and her husband Lester Waldmann of Kenner, Louisiana. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Troy Waldmann and wife Amy of Mandeville, Louisiana, Kristen W. Desobry and husband Ben of Shreveport; Paul Waldmann and wife Kristen of New Orleans; Patrick McClanahan and Kyndall Allen; Eric, Troy and Kyle McClanahan of Shreveport, Rev. Evan McClanahan and wife Amanda of Bedford, Texas. Additionally, he is survived by seven great grandchildren, his sister-in-law Ann McClanahan and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Doctors David Abdehou, Sylvia Noble, Kyle Barnett and all of their associates and also the staffs of LifeCare Hospital and Grace Home.

Pallbearers will be Troy and Paul Waldmann, Patrick, Eric McClanahan, David Copp and Ben Desobry. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the South Shreveport Lions Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the charity of your choice. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Marshall Street Chapel 222-0348