Dr. John Hull

Dr. John Everett Hull peacefully went to the good hands of the Lord on June 7, 2024, with his wife, Denise, by his side. He was 85 years old, but he still had his merry spirit. Born on January 23, 1939, in New Orleans, he grew up with four siblings, Jimmy, Harry, Adelaide and Mary. His parents, Henry and Evelyn (Bummy) Hull, raised him to love poetry, good food, Irish tenors and his Catholic faith. Known as "Johnny Cake" to his family, he was a bright, mischievous and athletic child, often assigned the task of memorizing poems as "punishment" for his misdeeds. At age 15, he joined the seminary at St. Joseph's Abbey in pursuit of the priesthood, where he excelled in basketball and track. After six years, John realized he did not possess the calling to priesthood. His uncle, Dr. Edgar Hull, who was one of the founding faculty of LSU Medicine, recommended a career in medicine. At LSU Medical School, John found his true calling and ultimately completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Rheumatology. He graduated with his MD during the Vietnam War and was drafted the day after graduation and served at the National Leprosarium at Carville. As an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, he proudly used his medical skills to minister to those afflicted by leprosy. After his service at Carville, he began his medical career in New Orleans specializing in Rheumatology and serving as Chief Resident at Charity Hospital. He practiced medicine for over fifty years and devoted his life's work to improving the quality of life in those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus and other autoimmune diseases. He was ever learning, often repeating the Latin phrase "Repetitio est mater studiorum" which translates to "repetition is the mother of all learning."
He had four beloved children with his first wife, Jane Morris Wiltshire: Mary, John Morris, Robert Rourke, and Edmund. Later, he married his second wife, Carolyn Campbell, becoming a caring stepfather to Gwyn, David, and Rebecca. He and Carolyn moved to Monroe in 1978 where they had their daughter, Rachel. John established a thriving medical practice. In 1986, he opened an arthritis clinic with Dr. Madura (Ranga) Janakiram Rangaraj, who became one of his closest friends and who was sorely missed after his passing in 2014. To his patients, he was an invaluable ally and an empathetic listener. In 1996, he married Denise Snelling, and became the proud stepfather of Keely. All throughout, he was committed to loving and nurturing each of his children, fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Dr. Hull loved to connect with people, and he was known for the twinkle in his eye, his cheery spirit, and his love for good conversation, ideally with a glass of good wine in hand. He was preceded in death by his brother Harry, and his sons, John Morris and Robert Rourke. In his life, Dr. Hull believed in the healing power of touch, and the many lives he touched will miss him dearly.
John's wake will be held Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. at Kilpatrick's Funeral Home in Monroe, followed by a family church service on Monday, June 10, 2024.
A memorial service and funeral will take place at St. Joseph's Abbey in St. Benedict, Louisiana to be announced at a later date. He will be buried alongside his son, John, and his brother, Harry.
We all will miss his light.
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