Schexnaidre
John was born June 4, 1937 in Shreveport and entered into rest April 19, 2016 at his home in Keithville. He was 78. He was raised in Shreveport and was a graduate of Jesuit High School. He joined the United States Navy at age 17, and served four years as a cryptologic technician. After his honorable discharge, he attended Northeast Louisiana University, earning a degree in pharmacy. John stayed in West Monroe where he owned and operated West Monroe Medic Pharmacy. He was a real estate broker and also owned a beauty shop in the Monroe area. He eventually moved home to Shreveport, where he continued to work as a pharmacist until he retired in 2010.
John was a pharmacist by trade, but his true passion was music. He was a self-taught guitar player, playing in various bands across Louisiana for as long as he was able. Most notably, John was lead guitar and back up vocals for The Rollercoasters from 1960 – 1965. Their first appearance was at Hirsch Coliseum opening for Brenda Lee and Marty Robbins. He passed his love of music to his children and grandchildren. John was an avid photographer, pilot, and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at the family camp on Caddo Lake, built by his father.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Lenora Schexnaidre, and his in-laws, Bill and Marlene Keeling.
John leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Kandis Keeling Schexnaidre, daughters Vikki Schexnaidre Stell and husband Max, Sharon Schexnaidre Madden and husband Doug, Beth Schexnaidre Austin, and his son Peter Schexnaidre, all of Minden, sisters Elaine S. Fullbright, Carol S. Klein, and Nell S. Kallenberger and husband Paul, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the mother of his children, Beverly Sumrall Baker of Stonewall, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he dearly loved.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Randy Delmundo and his staff, Minden Medical Center Rehab Unit, as well as St. Joseph Hospice for their care and compassion. Thank you for making this difficult time a little easier for him and for us.
John requested there be no formal funeral or memorial; instead he wanted family and friends to gather at the family lake house on Caddo Lake on his birthday, June 4, to honor his memory with food, drink, music and a little fishing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, or the charity of your choice.