Lucius deYampert McGehee Obituary Lucius deYampert McGehee, age 88, passed from this life on Friday, November 12, 2010. He was born on December 14, 1921 in Hammond, LA, the youngest of three children to Robert Micajah and Mattie Lou Hamilton McGehee. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he is remembered for his Christian example, quick wit, generosity, leadership, and love of family. At an early age, his family moved to Downsville where Lu attended and graduated from local schools. He attended Louisiana Polytechnic Institute then transferred to Northeast Junior College where he earned an Associate Degree. While at Northeast, he was elected Sophomore Class President. He then attended Louisiana State University to pursue a degree in Animal Husbandry and joined the enlisted reserve. In 1942, he was called into active military service. He served 28 months in the Pacific theater during World War II in the 767th Tank Battalion as radio operator and loader and saw numerous battles, notably the Battle of Saipan. He also served quartermaster duties on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Returning home after the war, he began raising cattle, hogs, and chickens. In 1949, he and his brother formed a company to buy baby chicks and place them with contract growers. Lu assumed the overall leadership of management and directed the operations of the company. He represented Louisiana in the National Broiler Council and served as the state≠s delegate to the American Poultry and Hatchery Federation. McGehee Poultry Company had humble beginnings, but soon grew to include a feed mill and store, hatchery and egg farm, and processing plant. In 1970, the company was merged with ConAgra and Lu continued to manage the company. In 1974, he was named to ConAgra≠s Board of Directors and served in that position until his retirement in 1992. Business-wise, Lu McGehee was best known for his poultry business, but he had other successes as well. He was instrumental in organizing Lincoln Bank and Trust Company and served on the Board of Directors. Also, he served on the Board of Directors of Northwest Louisiana Production Credit Association. For many years, he was president of the board and held other related district and national positions. He represented the 5th Farm Credit District on the National Advisory Committee that advised the Farm Credit Administration in Washington, DC. He used his business expertise in several volunteer organizations, namely the Louisiana Methodist Children≠s Home, where he served as a life-member and President of the Board of Directors; Boy Scouts of America, where he served as President of the Ouachita Valley Council and on the Executive Committee, Camp T.L. James Building Committee, and received scouting≠s highest volunteer award, the Silver Beaver; and also the Chamber of Commerce and Greater Tech Foundation. The Ruston/Lincoln Chamber of Commerce recognized him and his wife, Mildred, with the 1997 Russ Award for outstanding community service. In 2000, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Louisiana Tech University. Lu McGehee was an athlete and loved all sports from an early age. He played baseball in high school, was a basketball referee, and played league bowling. Later in life he enjoyed golf and tennis. He loved to win and hated to lose. He was an avid fan and supporter of all Louisiana Tech athletics. Being an avid outdoorsman, he loved all kinds of hunting, but especially deer, dove, and turkey hunting with his sons and grandsons. He was also a fisherman and enjoyed catching white perch. His famous fish frys were a favorite gathering with his family. He was a very active member of Grace United Methodist Church, serving on various committees and as Sunday School teacher and youth sponsor. He was a generous supporter of missionary agencies. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and continued to serve Him quietly and faithfully all his days. He taught his children to make church attendance a priority and individually taught them the value of hard work, honesty, and being responsible; but these virtues were of no great significance without a life devoted to serving Jesus Christ. Mr. McGehee was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Julia Webb McGehee Lipscomb; and brother, Robert Joseph McGehee. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mildred Trussell McGehee; six children, 20 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren: Patricia M. Flournoy and husband Bob, Heather F. Bowling and husband Aaron and children Grant, Anna and Drew Bowling, all of Ruston, Curt Flournoy and wife Karen of Jackson, MS; Don M. McGehee and wife Carolyn of Ruston, Ben McGehee and wife Alisa and children Ella and Lily McGehee of St. Francisville, LA, Greg McGehee of Houston, TX, Jeff McGehee and wife Janie and Millie Marie McGehee, all of Ruston, Lauren M. Hannon and husband Patrick and Emily Hannon all of Haughton, Robert McGehee and wife Lisa of Monroe; Deborah M. Lynch and husband Wes, Wesley Lynch and wife Lori, Johnathan Lynch, Stephen Lynch, all of Ruston; David W. McGehee and wife Michele of Ruston, Daniel McGehee and wife Mary Anne of Carrollton, TX, Brittany McGehee of Covington, Natalie McGehee and Andrew McGehee both of Ruston; Dell M. Jones and husband Tom of Ruston, Seth Jones and wife Betsy of Nashville, TN, Caleb Jones, Aaron Jones, Sarah Jones all of Ruston; Lucius D. McGehee, Jr. and wife Leigh, Mary Michael McGehee and Luc McGehee all of Ruston. He is also survived by brother-in-law D. L. Trussell and wife Maureen of Shreveport and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. He lived a full and rich life: loving and caring for his family, being an honorable citizen, and most importantly as a follower of Christ. Visitation with the family will be from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 14, in Fellowship Hall of Grace United Methodist Church in Ruston. Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Monday, November 15 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ben McGehee, Rev. Rolly Walker, Rev. Doug McGuire, Rev. Hulen Warren, and Rev. Jimmie Pyles officiating. Private graveside services at Greenwood Cemetery will be held prior to the service under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home with grandsons serving as pallbearers and Rev. Ben McGehee officiating. The family requests any memorials be made to either: Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 N. Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270; OR Louisiana Methodist Children≠s Home, P. O. Box 929, Ruston, LA 71273; OR Louisiana Tech Foundation, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272. Online condolences can be made at www.kilpatrickfuneralhome.com.