E. Louis Malvaney in front of the unfinished Charnley-Norwood House, April 2012.

A few years ago, after I had been blogging using the pen-name of ELMalvaney for a year or two, I received an email that began, “I’m E.L. Malvaney. Who are you?”

*gulp*

Thus began my almost completely virtual relationship with E. Louis Malvaney, son of architect Edgar Lucian Malvaney. I shouldn’t have been concerned. The “real” E.L. Malvaney was just curious about who was plastering his name all over the internet. I say “almost completely virtual” because in addition to the e-mails I would occassionally receive, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Malvaney, who went by “Louis,” in Biloxi in 2012. During our conversation about his amazing life, I found he had a quick laugh and dry sense of humor, and clearly loved life, his Savior, his family, and his work as an engineer. He was especially proud of the War Memorial Building elevator doors that his dad had installed as a memorial to World War II veterans; look for an etching on the right-hand door of a minesweeper with the designation “AM-240,” a tribute to Louis’ ship, the U.S.S. Hazard (“A damn good name for a minesweeper,” he said). He worked with his dad and brother Emmett until 1970 when he began working on projects for the government and in the oil industry. I’m pretty sure he was telling the truth when he claimed that he helped build Area 51.

A friend who reads the obituaries daily passed this one on to me. “Old Lou” died in November, but his funeral will be this Saturday in Jackson at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. He was one-of-a-kind.

Edgar Louis Malvaney
Jackson 

Old Lou done kicked the Bucket.

E. Louis Malvaney died November 29, 2014, in Biloxi, MS.

Accomplishments: Servant of Jesus Christ; Graduate of Central High School, Jackson in 1942, of Mississippi State University in 1950; Served in US Navy 1943 to 1946, aboard a minesweeper in the Pacific; Was a Civil Engineer (Oxymoron?). Married Gwen Taylor in 1948 and fathered five children: Lucienne of Biloxi, Sam of New Orleans, Corinne of Appomattox, VA, George of Edwards, MS, and Christoph of Worcester, MA; grandfather of 7, great-grandfather of 4. Wrote own obituary and planned own funeral.

Memorial service is to be on February 28, 2015, at 3:00 PM at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Jackson, MS with visitation following service. Ashes are to be distributed in the sand dunes at Tonopah, NV.

Y’all come, wearing bright & clothing. Be happy. We’ll have fun.

Ol’ Lou.

Categories: Architectural Research

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