- Date Of Birth: February 3, 1929
- Date Of Death: July 7, 2015
- State: Louisiana
SCHEXNAYDER
John ‘ Brother ‘ Emile Blaise Schexnayder, a native and life long New Orleanian, peacefully passed over to eternal rest on Tuesday. He was 86, and cause of death was congestive heart failure, surely a contradiction to his actual big heart.
Son of the late Lucille “Frenchie” Delaneuville and Fulgence “Shawee” Schexnayder. He was also preceded by his close brother, Fr. Francis, a dedicated Maryknoll missionary who worked tirelessly in Taiwan.
John was born at Hotel Dieu (Hostel of God) on Feb. 3, 1929. Growing up in the Carrollton section of NO, he started his education at Mater Dolorosa elementary school. Later, he would attend St. Aloysius High School, be a member of the swim team and be in the graduating Class of ’46.
After high school, he was one of nine others to graduate from a unique program at Tulane, Business Training Course sponsored by The Times Picayune and New Orleans States.
During the Korean War, John was enlisted in the Navy and flew many missions overseas and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war he rejoined his close knit family in the Carrollton area, where he meet his wife, Larca “Doll” Scallan at a popular dance spot, Wayne’s. They were married in August 1955 and together for 60 years.
John had a career as an insurance salesman, initially with National Life and later with America General. Being a great ‘ people person ‘, he constantly was a top salesman and on the President’s Council. This also won him many bonus trips and he and Larca were able to travel the world … London, Bermuda, Madrid, Greece, Hawaii, etc.
Other interests and hobbies of John were real estate, fishing, coins/stamps, and thoroughbreds. His corporation biz card read ‘ Dream On and Dream Big ‘. He was in his glory in the Fair Grounds winner’s circle with his favorite horse, Chicot Bay.
All of you who knew him will remember him as a true selfless giving soul. He would talk to any and everyone and never say no if you needed a hand up. Always curious and wanted to hear your latest ‘ good news ‘. Ever smiling, he walked the walk as far as ‘ Love thy Neighbor ‘. John was very active in many fraternal organizations, namely the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and The Moisant Kiwanis, a fixture at their beer booth during Jazz Fest. A rosary will be said for him by his brothers in St. Seelos K of C Lodge 2878. Brother also attended over 50 Manresa retreats with Group 25. He was also an active Parishioner of St. Edwards the Confessor.
John is survived by his wife, Larca and their 5 children, Johnny Jr, Pamela, Mark (Heidi), Darryl (Ana), and Bryan (Donna).
