Dr. Edgar Eugene McCanless of Lake Charles passed away Monday, Aug. 15, 2022 at the age of 97 in a local hospital.
Dr. McCanless was born March 31, 1925 to Edgar Maxwell McCanless and Ruth Meyer Pund McCanless in Canton, Ga. Always a man of honor and leadership, he achieved the highest-ranking status as Eagle Scout and graduated with honors from Canton High School. He also served the United States Air Force during which time he met his future bride. He was a graduate of Duke University where he graduated at the top of his class with a Bachelor of Science degree and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania where he attained his Medical degree. It was during this time that he met his mentor and great influence, Dr. Benjamin Spock. While studying at the University of Pennsylvania, he was a member of the John B. Deaver Surgical Society and the Strecker Psychiatric Society. Dr. McCanless began working as a Pediatrician at Lake Charles Medical Surgical Clinic, joined the Children’s Clinic in 1980 and was one of the first doctors in the area to work with Head Start Program. He retired from the Lake Charles Children’s Clinic at the age of 89. He had a great sense of humor, quick wit and the ability to bring others laughter. He remains affectionately known by countless many as “Dr. Mac”. Dr. McCanless had a superior appreciation of the arts: poetry, symphony, theater, opera and music and was a regular member in attendance of the Banner Production Series of McNeese State University. During his downtime, he enjoyed gardening, a hobby he shared with his mother and brother. He also enjoyed reading and watching the Olympics. He was actively involved in the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society, Rotary Club, Family and Youth Counsel and for many years, Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He will be remembered as a man who was intellectually stimulating, well respected and who genuinely loved his work. Most importantly, he was a man of faith and family and was a father who “was always there”.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mary Miles Sharp McCanless; parents; brother, Charles Pund McCanless; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Oates McCanless.
He leaves to honor his memory his loving children; daughter, Mary Ellen McCanless Hyatt (Frank) of Lake Charles; son, Dr. Christopher Miles McCanless (Anne Shamblin) of Baton Rouge; granddaughters, Elise Katherine McCanless of New Orleans and Adair Christine Weekley (Adam) of Tampa, Fla.; two nieces and one nephew.
The Rev. Frances “Boo” Kay was the Celebrant of his Memorial and Interment services held in the Chapel of Hardtner Hall of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Society of American Foresters or the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.