Dr. Robert E. Gillan

Bob was born in Shreveport, LA on September 5, 1942, to Edwin and Mary Loyzelle.  He had one younger sister, Kay. He passed away on June 29, 2025.

Bob graduated from Byrd High School and later earned a Bachelor's degree from Centenary College. Passing on to Louisiana Tech, Louisiana State University and Northwestern State University culminating in a EdD in Education.

In 1968 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, went to OCS and went to Vietnam as a Second Lieutenant. While in the military, he received the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, three Bronze Star Medals, air medals, a Purple Heart, 6 Army Commendation medals, army achievement medals, combat infantry badge, national defense service medal, Vietnam campaign medals, and 2 medals awarded by the Vietnamese government.

After serving in Vietnam, he married Susan Magee from Shreveport. During the next few years, they had three daughters—Kathleen, Courtney, and Lindsey. Sadly, Susan passed away in 1992. Two years later, Bob married Patricia Landry Dugas from Natchitoches.

During the next 30 years, Bob's family increased by the addition of Kathleen’s husband, Todd; Courtney's husband Mark and three children Aidan, Alaina, and Addison; and Lindsey's partner, Justice.

Bob has been loved and admired by students and professionals alike, and all are saddened by his passing. He will be interred in the American Cemetery at 10:00 am on Monday, July 14, 2025, with graveside services by Fr. Frank Fuller.