Final Salute

William Andrew (Bill) McElhannon was born on February 1, 1919 to Anita Sims McElhannon and Stewart McElhannon. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 27, 2016, preceded in death by his son, Mark, and wife, Peggy.

First and foremost, he was a family man. He was married to Margaret (Peggy) Joyce Lauland for over 62 years. Together, they had five children (with spouses) — Bill Jr. (Jan), Joan (Gerard Harrison), Mark, Anne (David Olson), and Karen (John Grossett). They also had seven grandchildren – Joan’s: Sarah, Benjamin (Ashley), Gregory, Mark; and Anne’s: Blake Stockwell (Ashley), Maggie Stockwell (Adam Sempe), and Kurt Olson; and three great-grandchildren – Lillian Stockwell, Maverick Sempe, and Trinity Sempe.

Bill graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He earned his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston.

He had more than forty years as a civil engineer with Exxon through its several name changes, starting with Humble Oil and Refining Co.

Bill served in the Navy during World War II. He was particularly proud of the Commendation he received for helping save his ship during the Okinawa typhoon of 1945, during which he remained on duty for over 48 hours straight. At one point, the cable operating the rudder jumped from its pulley, leaving them rudderless in 100 foot seas. He forced the cable back into its track restoring the ship’s ability to steer and they survived. After leaving active service, he eventually became a Commander in the Naval Reserve.

Bill’s interests were many and varied. His favorite hobby was following LSU sports, especially football. He also enjoyed reading poetry, word play, and solving riddles. Bill was active in the Kiwanis club, as well as in Exxon’s annuitants’ organization, and he was a long-time member of Wooster Baptist Church.

Even in his last months, Bill would greet his caregivers and new acquaintances warmly, and suggest that they “Be Careful!” and “Call and let me know you got home all right.” In all his endeavors and activities, however, his first and last focus was always on family, helping where he could and keeping them safe.