Picture
John Raymond Polk

Born   May 11, 1935
Hired  1960
Left GSU   1969
Passed away   May 22, 2020

Photo No. 2487

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John Raymond Polk, of Lake Charles, LA, died peacefully at his home on May 22, 2020 surrounded by family.

Born on May 11, 1935 in Eunice, LA, John grew up in Pine Prairie graduating from Pine Prairie High School in 1953. His high school's motto, "Forward Ever. Backward Never." was the credo by which John lived his life. After high school, John joined the U.S. Army and served his country honorably at home and abroad. Upon his departure from the Army, John returned to Louisiana where he attended Louisiana State University on the G.I. Bill and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and a lifelong love for LSU sports.

While at LSU, John met Louise Gayle Woods. They were married in June of 1960, and soon after moved to Lake Charles where John worked as an engineer for Gulf States Utilities. He was active in business and civic activities, including The Young Men's Business Club's Board of Directors, The Tiger Athletic Foundation, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and numerous local and state political campaigns. John soon became interested in finance, and left Gulf States in 1969 to begin a new career in financial services as a stockbroker for Kohlmeyer & Company. The brokerage team that started with Kohlmeyer stayed together as the company grew, and ultimately became Wells Fargo Advisors. He and his partner continued to work together until John's retirement as First Vice President - Investments for Wells Fargo in 2018.

John, affectionately known as "Long John" or simply "LJ" to his family and friends, was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Gayle Woods Polk; his daughter Terri Polk and her son Preston Polk; his daughter Peggy Polk England, her husband Craig, and their children William and Elizabeth; his brother Jerry Polk; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 2pm at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 715 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA. A private committal service will be held prior to the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Tiger Athletic Foundation or The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Altar Guild.



Click Here For the obituary at the Johnson Funeral Home site.