Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - Former Calcasieu Parish Sheriff and Ward Three City Marshal Wayne McElveen, who led local law enforcement for nearly three decades, died Dec. 8 at the age of 87.
McElveen served as Calcasieu Parish sheriff from 1980 to 2000, after previously serving as Ward Three City Marshal from 1972 to 1980. His career placed him at the center of law enforcement in the Lake Charles area during years of growth and change in Southwest Louisiana.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Trinity Baptist Church’s North Venue. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Johnson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Earlier this year, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) renamed the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Prison as the Sheriff Wayne McElveen Prison, honoring his long tenure and influence on the department while he was still living.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory issued a statement reflecting on McElveen’s impact and guidance.
“We are saddened by the passing of former Sheriff Wayne McElveen,” Guillory said. “Sheriff McElveen led the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years and while I never worked under him, I had the pleasure of working with him while I was Chief of Police in Westlake. When I became Sheriff, he offered me guidance and advice about what it takes to be a successful sheriff. He truly cared about our community and his employees, and it showed in everything he did.”
Guillory noted that renaming the parish prison earlier this year allowed the office to recognize McElveen’s contributions during his lifetime.
“I am very thankful we were able to rename the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Prison in his honor earlier this year, while he was still with us,” Guillory said. “He was one of the most compassionate and caring people you could meet. Our office today was a product of his vision, and I will forever be thankful for him and all that he accomplished for this office.
“His service and legacy will forever be a part of Calcasieu Parish. I am praying for his family during this time.”
McElveen’s decades in office, both as City Marshal and as sheriff, helped shape modern law enforcement in Calcasieu Parish. The recent naming of the Sheriff Wayne McElveen Prison and Guillory’s statement underscore his lasting influence on the structure, culture, and priorities of the sheriff’s office.