Van Cook McGraw

Van Cook McGraw
West Monroe, LA- The gentle soul of Van passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at the age of 86 with his family present in his beloved woods of West Monroe, LA. He was born in Morganza, LA on June 15, 1934, the son of Henry Cecil McGraw and Mamie Lee Vandiver McGraw.

He was raised on a rural Louisiana farm that his father managed. Van believed in education and hard work. He graduated from Cloutierville High School in 1952, and Northwestern State University in 1956 as valedictorian and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. He was recognized in the Senior Hall of Fame, as a Distinguished Military Graduate, and as the Commencement Speaker at his master’s graduation. During this time, he began serving his country as a captain in the U.S. Army and would continue serving in the U.S. Army Reserves for 10 years completing his service as a First Lieutenant.

On September 5, 1958, Van married his true partner for more than 62 years, Patricia Louise DeBlieux from Natchitoches, LA. Pat supported Van’s career and interests while raising four daughters and he credited her as essential to his success.

In 1959, Van began his career in Monroe with Northeast Louisiana Junior College (now University of Louisiana Monroe) as an instructor in Business Administration. Supported by a Ford Fellowship in Business Administration, he earned his doctorate from Louisiana State University in 1966. He served the University of Louisiana in several rewarding positions as Professor of Management, Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, and Dean of the College of Business Administration. He retired from administration in 1989 so he could once again focus on teaching students until his retirement in 1996 and was honored to be named Professor of Emeritus of Management and Dean Emeritus in 1991.

While these accomplishments were rewarding, his true love was teaching, interacting with the students, and seeing them succeed. His interests outside of work were woodworking, music, marksmanship, leather working, antiques especially typewriters, and reading.

Van was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Eunice Elaine McGraw Dawson.

He is survived by his devoted wife Pat of 62 years, his sister Dorothy Leita McGraw Benoy, and four daughters, Melanie Ann McGraw Kalil (Freddy), Susan Elizabeth McGraw Chappell (Ryan), Carolyn Joan McGraw Kapp (Clyde), Laura Louise McGraw Borel (Danny). He was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Fred Namer Kalil,IV, Anna Katherine Kalil Howard (Jonathan), Abigail Marie Kalil Spillers (Colby), Dr. Neil Ryan Chappell (Ashley), Sarah Margret Chappell Hubbard (Lael), Rachel Lauren Chappell Chauvin (Jordan) Lauren Elizabeth Kapp, and Caleb Bryan Carter. Great- grandchildren include Landon Fred Kalil, Margaret Elaine Kalil, Patrick Van Howard, Preston Cook Howard, Wilder Faye Chappell, Scarlet Ryan Chappell, Luca Thomas Hubbard, and Thatcher Adams Spillers.

Thanks to Heart of Hospice, Leteri and Peronika of Charlie’s Angels for Hire, LLC, Crasanthinay, Denise, and family friend Brandy for excellent care and compassion given to our loved one.

A celebration of his life will be 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 27th, 2021, Visitation at 10:00 A.M. at the Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, in Monroe. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, with The Rev. Mr. Scott Brandle, Deacon officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Dean Van McGraw Endowed Scholarship at the ULM Foundation, 700 University Ave., Monroe, LA. 71209

Online registry/condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road, Monroe, Louisiana