Deaths Elsewhere

Former legislator
GONZALES – Services for former legislator and school board member Melvin Irvin, Jr. will be June 13. He died June 7 at age 72.
He was the first African-American to serve as president of the Ascension Parish School Board was the first African-American elected to the Louisiana House from Dist. 58. He began the parish’s chapter of the Urban League and was a former supervisor of Math & Reading for the state Dept. of Education. He was also a former director of the Louisiana Superdome.
Survivors include his wife Nell and several children.

Businessman, All-American
KENTWOOD – Services for businessman and high school All-American football player Johnnie Boykins, Jr. will be June 12. He died JUne 4 at age 79.
He played football at Westside High and Leland College. He was co-owner of Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland and had owned various businesses. He was a football recruiter for several colleges.
Survivors include his wife Helen and several children.
Arrangements are by Angelic.

Retired helicopter commander, carrier exec
METAIRIE – Services for former helicopter squadron commander and carrier executive officer Capt. John “Wondy” Wondergem will be June 11. He died June 7 at age 91.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. While commander of Helicopter Squadron 3, he recovered astronaut Scott Carpenter in the Sigma 7 space capsule of Project Mercury. He later was commander of Helicopter Squadron 1 and Air Group 50, Key West. Fla. He served as navigator and then executive officer of the carrier USS Wasp. His last duty assignment was chief of staff of the 8th Naval District, Algiers.
Survivors include his wife Ruth, a son and two daughters.
Arrangements are by L.A. Muhleisen and Son.