Allan Bruce Ensminger's Obituary
Allan Bruce Ensminger, 87, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on January 20, 2019 in his home surrounded by loved ones in DeRidder, LA.
Allan Bruce Ensminger was born in Campo, Colorado on November 9, 1931 to . He was the youngest of the 6 surviving children born to Wilburn J. “B.W.” and Litica "May" (Combs) Ensminger. The family relocated to DeRidder, La. in 1935 due to the Dust Bowl that ravaged the Plains States.
After graduation from Longville High School in 1948, Allan worked and attended McNeese State University for a few years before transferring to Louisiana State University. In 1952, he achieved the award of “All Around Cowboy” at both McNeese State University and LSU. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Science in Forestry Degree at LSU, graduating in 1953. Allan earned his Master of Science in Wildlife Management in 1954 from LSU.
Allan began his career in 1954 as a biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries doing important wildlife research at Rockefeller Refuge in Cameron Parish, La. He was among the pioneering biologists who not only documented the current status of the coastal marshes at that time, but also recognized that coastal land loss was already occurring and would eventually threaten our way of life. He helped lead efforts to successfully restore the American Alligator population and had a hand in the pelican and bald eagle restoration to our state, among many other projects.
His passion and dedication for his work was recognized early on and he was eventually promoted to a position as Chief of the LDW&F Fur and Refuge Division, supervising several coastal refuges and wildlife management areas. In 1955, Allan obtained his private pilot's license and used it to visit and monitor the refuges as well as to conduct wetland ecosystem and waterfowl surveys in Louisiana, Canada, and El Salvador. He served in a number of conservation and management organizations and was widely seen as a true champion of wetlands and wildlife conservation.
Allan retired from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in 1984 with 30 years of service. He continued to pursue his passion for the Louisiana wetlands and formed a consulting business, Wetlands and Wildlife Management Company; where he specialized in providing wetland management consulting services to several large wetland owners in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama for the next 30 years. He also provided biological services to the La. Dept. of Natural Resources on a contract basis as well as served as peer review person on the National Audubon Society Refuge System.
Allan lived in Belle Chasse, Louisiana for 35 years. On August 5, 1978, he married his lovely wife Marilyn Smith Ensminger. Allan and Marilyn moved to DeRidder, Louisiana in 1992. There he was able to continue to operate Wetlands and Wildlife Mgmt. Co. and also fulfill his dreams of being a cowboy while managing his own farm, timber and cattle operations. During this time, he was blessed to be able to spend many quality years near his brother and best friend, Robert “Buck” Ensminger and his wife Tressie, whose friendship he deeply cherished.
Allan was a true outdoorsman that enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, riding horses, and working cattle. He was a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend to many. His devotion to his family was evident by the amount of time spent with each of them. He spent countless days and nights at the various ballparks and gyms watching and cheering on his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about life on the farm and the importance of becoming passionate about their interests.
Allan lived a long, fulfilling and prosperous life in which he touched many hearts. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten.
Visitation will begin Friday, January 25, 2019, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, in Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Visitation will begin Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM when Funeral services will begin, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in DeRidder, LA with Rev. George Lee Glass officiating. Interment will follow at Beauregard Cemetery, DeRidder, LA.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Marilyn Ensminger of DeRidder, LA.; daughter, Susan Ensminger; step daughter, Karen Schouest-Faircloth, Lynette Schouest-Greco and husband Sal; grandchildren, Zachary Ensminger, Ashlee Ensminger, Laura Schouest-Ugas, Michelle Faircloth, Trent Greco, Grant Greco; and great grandchildren, Layla Ensminger, Skyleigh Faircloth, and Alexis Ugas.
Preceded in death by his son, Bruce Ensminger, and stepson, Darren Schouest.
What’s your fondest memory of Allan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Allan?
Share a story where Allan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Allan you’ll never forget.
How did Allan make you smile?