BORN

1909

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Alexander McLachlan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 11, 2017.

Alexander Peter McLachlan, a retired Federal executive with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2017. Having been born on June 23, 1909, he enjoyed an unusually long life, being 108 years old at the time of his death. A native of Missouri, he has been a resident of Louisiana since the 1930's and a resident of Metairie since 1972. He enjoyed a 54 year marriage with his beautiful wife, Enola Waguespack McLachlan, until her death in 1989. He was also preceded in death by his parents Luke and Sophie McPherson McLachlan, his beloved daughter Janet McLachlan Moore and his sisters Helen and Ann Elizabeth McLachlan. He is survived by his children Dr. John E. McLachlan and wife Betty, and Judith McLachlan Slot and husband Peter, his grandchildren Lisa and Neal Maroney, Dr. John E, McLachlan, Jr., Drs. Michele and Phillip Noel, Michael McLachlan and Lori, and Amy McLachlan, Sandra Walker and Patrick, Sean Moore and Maddison, David Moore, Beth Martinez and Jeff and Patricia Lutz and Tyron. Great-grandchildren are Austin, Rachel, Kelly, Stephen and Catherine Walker; Emily, Matthew, Marie, Elizabeth and Luke Noel; Bailey and Kathryn McLachlan; Taylor and Haley Martinez; Cameron and Collin Lutz; and Alec Moore. He also leaves behind two very dear and special friends, Myrle Browning and Mercedes Travers. McLachlan began a career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a clerk on the farm program and retired some forty years later a head of one of the major offices, the New Orleans Commodity Credit Corporation. The function of the New Orleans office was arranging for storage all over the country for cotton and cottonseed products, both under Government loan and that acquired for non-payment loans, paying warehouses for storage, moving stocks over railroad from congested areas, holding periodic sales from Government stock, billing buyers for payment of such stock, and many other things. The work of the office had one unique function. Every bale of cotton required an individual record of weight, grade and staple, condition, where stored, other facts. Until the early fifties, maintaining these records was produced with a punch card system. Under the Government Cotton Loan Program there were over 20 million cards on file, supported by several hundred punch card machines and qualified operators. It was the perfect setup for automatic data processing, and the very first of the IBM's large computer system was installed in the office. It provided the management and employees with pioneer work in the automation field. It became one of the finest in the country, doing much more than just the cotton program. Many years later, after McLachlan retired, the cotton work was transferred to a Commodity Credit Corporation office in another city, and the equipment, space, and employees became the basis for the establishment of the National Finance Center, which is a major organization today. McLachlan was Director of the New Orleans office of Commodity Credit Corporation for 18 years until his retirement in 1972. During his active years he was involved in civic work in his community. He spent several years working with the United Fund (now the United Way), chairing one of the divisions and serving on the Board of Trustees. He was a Past President of the Federal Executive Association, which became the Federal Executive Board during his tenure. He was Past President of the Federal Business Association, Past President of the Greater New Orleans Agri-Business Council, Past President of the New Orleans Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Past President of the USDA Club. He was instrumental in the reorganization and revitalization of the Southeast Louisiana livestock show. In his later years, he was active in the affairs of the Jefferson Council on Aging, as Chairman of the Board and serving on some of its committees. He was a member of St. Clement of Rome Church, serving as an usher and lector, and President of its Young Elders Club. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a proud American and God always came first in his life. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., on Saturday, December 16, 2017. Visitation begins at 9:30AM with Mass celebrated at 11:00AM. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

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December 15, 2017

Friend

Phyllis Knapp

I was sorry to hear Mr. Mac passed away. My husband (who died 5 years ago) and I sat by Mr. Mac for many years at the Saints games. Over the past several years I spoke to Mr. Mac occasionally and was very happy to have known him. He certainly had a long life. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

December 14, 2017

Judy & Lee Parker

We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Mac. We send our love and thoghts to his family.

December 14, 2017

Sean Moore

I was fortunate enough to live with Grandad for several years. I learned a great deal from him.I am so lucky we had that time together. I will miss him greatly . I have called him every sat for the last 10 years and will really miss his weekly wisdom. I got married and had a beautiful son. I named him after Grandad they met at his Baptism. Im so blessed to have had him as long as I did.

December 14, 2017

Joe Moore

As I was privileged to be married to Mr. Mac's younger daughter, Janet, I was honored to call him my father-in-law. He was good to me beyond words, and for that I will be eternally grateful. The Christmas parties at his home were one of the great events of the year. His futile attempts to "control" the rowdy crowd added to the fun. He will be missed. Rest well, great man, and enjoy your time with Enola and Janet.
Joe Moore

December 13, 2017

Edmee & Joe Baird

Uncle Mac was a very special Uncle to me. Many years ago when I was in high school I visited my Aunt Enola and Uncle Mac and their children in Baton Rouge, LA. Then when I was older I visited them in Falls Church, VA. Aunt Enola and Uncle Mac always made me feel special. Celebrating Uncle Mac's 99th, 100th and 105th Birthdays were highlights in my life that I will never forget. My husband and I visited Uncle Mac in New Orleans in February of this year, he was still up to date with all the news and happenings locally and worldwide. My husband, Joe, was always amazed on how much Uncle Mac kept up with the events of the daily news. God Bless You Uncle Mac, I will always remember your wonderful personality and you will remain in my memories always. Love to all the McLachlan Family and our sincere condolences upon their great loss. With All Our Love, Edmee & Joe Baird

December 13, 2017

Karla Seymour

I didn't know when I moved next door to Mac 40 years ago that we would share so many memorable conversations.
His sharp mind, wealth of historical experiences and high interest on any subject led us to discover our mutual "gift of gab".
My condolences to his family.
My friend's passing leaves an empty space impossible to fill.
His life was rich with integrity and character - a model for all to emulate.

December 13, 2017

We were so privileged and honored to know Mr. Mac. He will be dearly missed.
Barbara Harris and Joe Moore

December 12, 2017

Sharon A. Galman (Funeral Director)

The entire staff at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home wishes to express our sincere condolences.

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Memorial Events
for Alexander McLachlan

Dec

16

Visitation

9:30 a.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Dec

16

Service

11:00 a.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Funeral services provided by:

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

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