John Clifford Ensminger, Sr., 87, who was born August 28, 1934, passed away on January 3, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Gladybelle Gruber Ensminger for 42 years. He was the father of 3 children, John C. Ensminger, Jr. (Patricia), Susan Jenkins (Stephen) and Paula Gandy (Thomas) and 5 stepchildren, Jami Kampen, Shawn Thibodeaux (Collins), Shari Barrios (Gregg), Hanson Summersgill (Melissa) and Les Summersgill, MD (Brittany). He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren, Emily Ensminger Casteel (Mac), Mae Ensminger Loomis (Edward), Tracy Ensminger, John Grant Jenkins (Natalie), William Allen Jenkins (Rebecca), Davis Moore Jenkins, Annemichael Demoruelle Jenkins, Anna Magee Gandy Ewing (Lane), Robert Warren Gandy (Kaitlin). Katie Kampen, Kellie Kampen, Lexie Thibodeaux, Ash Thibodeaux, James Gregg Barrios, MD (Mary), Briggs Barrios, Hannah Summersgill and Isabella Summersgill, and 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Emily Kay Burrows (Gaylord).
He was predeceased by his parents, Irma Grant Ensminger and Captain Reginald William “Rex” Ensminger, his brothers, Reginald William (Billy) Ensminger, Jr., and Arthur David Ensminger, and sister Irma Grant Ensminger George. He is also preceded in death by his grandson, John Clifford Ensminger, III.
John was born in Monroe, Louisiana, graduated from Neville High School in 1952 and Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM). He served in the military following his graduation. He then began his career as a State Farm Insurance agent in 1957 and retired after 62 years. He began his political career in 1968 when he was elected to the Police Jury in Ouachita Parish. In addition, he served in the Louisiana Legislature for 20 years (19 years as a Louisiana State Representative and 1 term as a Louisiana State Senator) and served as chairman of the House Commerce Committee. His legislative career was distinguished by integrity, hard work and common sense. He was a fiscal conservative and a man of principle. He was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Public service and law enforcement runs in his family. His maternal uncle, Goldman Grant was superintendent of the Louisiana State Police from 1948 – 1950. His uncle Bailey Grant, served as Sheriff of Ouachita Parish for 32 years (longest serving Sheriff in Ouachita Parish history). His maternal grandfather, Thomas Arthur Grant, also served as Sheriff of Ouachita Parish from 1916-1924. His father Rex Ensminger, was the first and longest serving Captain of Troop F with the Louisiana State Police for 28 years.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending most of his leisure time on Lake Bruin. But his favorite pastime was mowing grass on his riding lawnmower at home and at the lake. This is when he did his best thinking.
He loved Monroe and its people and he loved serving them in the Legislature with honesty and integrity. He gave a lifetime of service to his community.
The family would like to say a very special and heartfelt thank you to Sharon and Larry Braggs for their 32 years of dedicated and loving service to our family. In addition, we thank Amanda Brown, Patricia Bynum and Serenity Care Providers for their loving care during this time.
A graveside service will be held at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery at noon on Friday, the 7th of January, 2022 with Reverend John Mabray officiating. A reception will follow at Bayou Desiard Country Club at 1:30 pm. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Kerry Anders, Gaylord Burrows, Jimmy Dimos, Hunt Downer, David Erskine, Bobby George, Bubba Henry, Dr. Ralph King, Joey McGinn, Walter Pierron, Billy Poe and Beth and Jim Woolridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts made to Covenant Presbyterian Church and Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes
Monroe, Louisiana