Michael Graham Willmon

1951 - 2019

I have been one acquainted with the night. --Robert Frost. Michael Graham Willmon, fine artist and art instructor, died Tuesday January 15, 2019 at home from complications of stroke after many years battling heart disease. Born May 2nd, 1951 in Baton Rouge, LA to the late Russell William Willmon and Myrtice Graham Coogler, his formative years were spent in New Jersey, Venezuela, and Florida. He returned to Louisiana to study art at Tulane University where he was awarded a fellowship and earned his B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees. He was educated during the art faculty's golden era, studying under James Steg, Pat Trevigno, and Hal Carney. Initially in printmaking, Mr. Willmon eventually found his calling as a gifted painter. His notable early paintings included oversized still-lifes but with time he became more figurative and the scale of his work got smaller. His own unique and witty style emerged which often featured skeletons saturated in oranges and reds against the backdrop of the city he loved and resided in for 50 years. Also an art instructor, he began teaching in 1974. For four decades he influenced countless students in New Orleans who held him in the highest esteem for his depth and breadth of knowledge and his generosity of spirit. He will always be remembered with the greatest affection by his family, friends, and students. Survivors include his beloved wife of 30 years, Julie Crozat Willmon, brother Russell Willmon of Lake Charles, son Jeff Willmon of Houston, and two grandchildren, Thomas and Molly Willmon. A kind and gentle soul, Michael expressed his love of animals both in life and in his paintings. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the LA SPCA in his name. Family and friends are invited to the visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Jacob Schoen & Son. Funeral service begins at 1:30 in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com.