November 2, 1934 – October 23, 2024
Gerard Thomas Scallan, beloved father, grandfather and educator of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on October 23, 2024, just days shy of his 90th birthday. Born on November 2, 1934, he was the fourth of five children to Bennett Joseph Scallan, Sr. and Adele Gremillion Scallan of Simmesport, LA. Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves, with active duty in 1957 and again from 1961 to 1962. A 1956 graduate of Louisiana State University, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. His career in education spanned 38 years in East Baton Rouge Parish, where he taught at Highland and Melrose Elementary Schools and later served as principal at Westdale Elementary and Kenilworth Middle Schools. He retired in 1994, having touched countless lives through his commitment to teaching and leadership in education. Along with his partner Patrick Kennedy, Jerry co-owned Camp Beau Bois, a day camp on Staring Lane, where generations of Baton Rouge children enjoyed summers filled with swimming, horseback riding, archery, arts and crafts, and many more outdoor activities. An exceptional cook, Jerry found joy in preparing comforting meals for family and friends. His warmth and ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a cherished presence in the community. Known for his generosity, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Jerry is survived by his daughter Catherine Scallan LaChapelle and her husband David, along with their children Lyla and Max of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Cynthia Millican French, her husband Randy, and their children Amy, Jacob, and Stephen French, Jacob’s wife Vikki, as well as his stepdaughter-in-law Sonya Ryland Millican. He leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Stephens Scallan; his siblings Arthur, Donald, and Bennett Scallan, Jr., and Sylvia Scallan Cottano; and his stepson John Michael Millican. An interment service for both Margaret and Jerry will be held at the Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, LA, at a later date. The family kindly requests that any donations in Jerry’s name be made to the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging or to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (donate@nami.org). Please sign the online guestbook at www.sealefuneal.com
4 comments
Courtney Ostendarp
November 6, 2024 at 9:57 pm
I will fondly remember being blessed to attend camp Beau Bois when we visited Uncle Jerry from NC. I also went to visit him and Margaret while in town and got to sample delicious Pralines for the first time. Though I haven’t seen him for quite some time, I will remember his smile and love for kids! Rest in peace 🩵🙏🏼
Michael Buchart
November 6, 2024 at 1:46 pm
Gerard & Margaret were wonderful people where on Brookshire Avenue my parents and our family came to know them over many years. Jerry was an interesting person and always available for us. We will miss Jerry as we do Margaret.
Judy sensat collins
November 3, 2024 at 6:55 pm
Mr scallan was my favorite teacher of all times. I was shy and awkward. He drew me out by giving me responsibilities to draw out my confidence.
I always wished I could go to camp beau bois but we couldn’t afford it. He made several logs and brought to school. I got one. My daddy drilled holes for candles and we used that decoration many years.
I saw him 10 years later. He remembered my name. I didn’t recognize him, he no longer had that crew cut.
Thank you for being an educator.
Claudia and Ted Jack and family
November 2, 2024 at 8:29 pm
Our lives were forever touched by Uncle Jerry.. he will be dearly missed.