Wayne F. McElveen

Wayne Fisher McElveen, 87, former Ward Three Marshal and Sheriff of Calcasieu Parish, passed away peacefully on Monday at his home in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Born and raised in Lake Charles, Sheriff McElveen graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1957 and was a member of the 1954 Wildcat State Champion Football team. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completing his service, he returned home and began what would become a lifelong career in public service, joining the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Henry A. “Ham” Reid. He served as a patrol deputy and later as director of the Juvenile and Junior Deputy Programs—roles he cherished, especially the opportunity to work with the youth of Calcasieu Parish.

In 1972, he was elected Ward Three City Marshal, and in 1980, the citizens of Calcasieu Parish elected him, Sheriff. Over the next twenty years, Sheriff McElveen guided the Sheriff’s Department through a period of significant growth and modernization. He oversaw the relocation of the department and parish jail from downtown to East Broad Street and played a key role in enhancing the Calcasieu Parish Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy. Sheriff McElveen was able to build the new prison without any taxpayer money. In 2025, Sheriff Stitch Guillory honored his legacy by naming the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Prison the Sheriff Wayne McElveen Prison.

Sheriff McElveen was a dedicated and active member of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, serving as its President from 1996–1997. He spent many days in Baton Rouge advocating for law enforcement agencies across the state and continued his service through his work on the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Pension Board.

One of his proudest contributions came in 1994, when he and his brother, Andy, funded the road leading to Boys’ Village in memory of their father, George Anderson McElveen Sr., a strong supporter of the foundation’s mission to care for challenged youth in Calcasieu Parish.

Beyond his public service, Sheriff McElveen loved traveling, exploring new landscapes, and spending time outdoors. Hunting and fishing with family and friends brought him great joy, and he treasured the many stories and memories gathered from adventures across the western hemisphere.

Sheriff McElveen is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Linda Faye LaBauve McElveen; his brother, George Anderson McElveen Jr. and wife Brenda; his children, Wayne McElveen II and wife Susan, David McElveen and wife Alicia, Richard McElveen, and Joyce “Michele” Bates and husband Brian; and his grandchildren, Conner McElveen, Emily Beville and husband Logan, Macy Karam and husband Jordan, Mia McElveen, Olivia McElveen, Skylar McElveen, Shannon Dirman and husband Barker, and Brett J. Bates and fiancée Amanda. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Bates, Beau, Mary Scott, and Abigail.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Anderson McElveen and Joyce Elaine Fisher McElveen.

Sheriff McElveen was a proud Mason, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles, Ducks Unlimited, and the Coastal Conservation Association.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, at Trinity Baptist Church, North Venue, with Rev. Johnny Damon of First Baptist Church of Lake Charles officiating. Visitation will be at Trinity’s North Venue on Friday from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Boys’ Village Foundation.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Sheriff McElveen’s medical care team: Dr. Leroy “Butch” Fredericks, Dr. James Maze, Dr. Craig Broussard, and Christopher “Kyle” Guillory, FNP-C. They also offer special thanks to his devoted home caregivers—LeeAnna Stevens, Judy Moreaux, Judy Charles, Patsy Winters, and Dawanna Guidry—for their tireless dedication and compassionate care.

Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.