Neil Randall Crain

Neil Randall Crain, 85, of Lake Charles, died Tuesday November 13, 2018 at a local hospital.

He attended Grand Chenier Schools and graduated in 1952 with a high school diploma from the Texas Military Institute in San Antonio, Texas. He then attended Louisiana State University and Lamar University in Civil Engineering.

Mr. Crain served the United States Coast Guard on active duty from 1953-1957 until he was called home to Grand Chenier, Louisiana to help rebuild the family business following Hurricane Audrey. He remained on Ready Reserve with the United States Coast Guard for 17 years for a total of twenty years of service.

Neil R. Crain began his construction career at the family business, Crain Brothers Inc. in Grand Chenier, Louisiana. He devoted his life to the oil industry and was an expert at low land construction. Neil held heavy construction licenses in Louisiana and several other states. Not only was his expertise sought out in the United States, but also around the world such as in Africa, Venezuela, Japan and the Caribbean. He also served as President of Crain Brothers Ranch.

Neil loved traveling to different countries to enjoy the sport of shooting birds of various species, especially pheasants and ducks. He also enjoyed the company of friends while fishing the waters of Lake of the Woods in Canada. He became a Master Mason upon entering the Coast Guard in 1953 and devoted his life to the fraternity by being a member of all Bodies of Masonry and holding various leadership positions. He was bestowed upon him the illustrious honor of being a 33rd Degree Mason and served as the 2004 Grand Master of all Masons in the state of Louisiana.

Neil also loved being involved in politics and served in advisor positions for former US Senator Jesse Knowles, former Governor of Louisiana, Dave Treen and former US House of Representative, William Henson Moore III. He also served on the Louisiana State Contractor’s Licensing Board.

Neil enjoyed being an aircraft pilot, logging over 15,000 hours in numerous aircraft including float planes. His favorite pass time was spent visiting with friends and family and telling stories with humor continuously embedded.

Neil is preceded in death by his father A.H. “Sono” Crain; his mother Ella Mae Jones Crain; his brother Malcolm Lyle “Butch” Crain. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Madeleine St. Clair Crain; two daughters, Randalin Crain and Rosalind Crain LeCompte; one son, Duncan Russell Crain and wife, Tammy Augustine Crain; four grandchildren, Samantha Williams Johnson, Jebediah Eugene Williams, Callie Tate Crain and Wasey Duncan Crain and three great grandchildren. Along with one sister, Coral Lee Crain Byrd and husband Richard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday November 17, 2018 at the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 2:00 PM on Friday November 16 and will continue until 7:00 PM. Visitation resumes on Saturday at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow services at Highland Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that one should make a donation to a charity of their choice.