Abry S. Cahn Jr.

1930 - 2020

Abry S. Cahn, Jr.

Shreveport - Abry Sour Cahn, Jr., 89, a lifelong resident of Shreveport, Louisiana was born August 10, 1930, to Abry S. Cahn, Sr. and Janice Pfeifer Cahn. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family July 18, 2020.

Abry graduated high school from Schreiner Military Institute, Kerrville, Texas in 1948. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1953. While at LSU, he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity serving as president in 1951 and 1952. He also served on the Interfraternity Council, Samurai Interfraternity Organization, and the Tar Booth Society which later evolved into Hillel at LSU. He later served two years in the United States Army Artillery. In 1955, Abry joined the family business, Cahn Electric and served as President and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2003.

During his lifetime, he served in leadership positions in business, civic and religious organizations which included past President of B'nai Zion Congregation, The Shreveport Jewish Federation, The North Louisiana Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Downtown Shreveport Lions Club. He served as Co-Chairman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews receiving the National Brotherhood and Humanitarian award in 1978. Continuing with service to the community, Abry participated on various boards and organizations including The Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries, and The United Way. He took an active part in organizing The Louisiana Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. For many years, Abry served as a volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for neglected and abused children. He also completed work started by his father and later published "Days of Building," a history of the Shreveport Jewish Community.

Abry was a devoted family man and a true gentleman, known for his quick wit and ability to enliven a party. He always had a repertoire of jokes and stories. He had something funny to say at any social gathering and managed to put a smile on everyone's face. In his files we found his obituary. At the bottom he noted, "If anyone tells you, 'Nice obit,' you can say, 'It should be, he wrote it himself.'"

Abry was an avid and accomplished pool player. One year, his team even qualified for a national event in Las Vegas. In addition, he enjoyed any type of project whether building or design related. Abry had the ability to envision the end result before a project began enabling him to successfully complete any task he started.

Abry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nell Bridge Cahn; daughter, Susan Cahn Abelman and husband, Arthur of San Antonio, TX; Abry "Tab" Sour Cahn, III and wife, Marylyn; grandson, Abry Chandler Cahn and niece, Jan Pittman all of Shreveport, LA.

A special thanks to Abry's devoted caregivers of many years, Lee Haley, Jonathan Johnson, and Patty Johnson.

The immediate family said their goodbyes to Abry in a private service at Greenwood Cemetery officiated by Rabbi Dr. Jana L. De Benedetti. The family suggests memorials may be made to B'nai Zion Congregation at 245 Southfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71105 or to the charity of choice.