Howard Lee “Hokie” Gajan Jr.
Howard Lee “Hokie” Gajan, Jr., passed away on Monday, April 11, 2016, in Jefferson, LA. He was born on September 6, 1959, in Baton Rouge, LA, to Emma Hanegan Gajan and Howard Lee Gajan, Sr.
Hokie was married to his beloved wife, Judy Moak Gajan, for 37 years and together they had four daughters, Jennifer Gajan-Mier (Brandon), Kristin G. Sell (Gerald), Megan E. Gajan (Brandon Trahant), and Alexis B. Gajan. He was the loving grandfather of Emma Mier, Caroline Mier, Tucker Mier, Sawyer Mier, Noah Mier, Kamryn Sell, Kinley Sell, and Callen Sell. Hokie was the brother of Patti Anderson, Chipper Gajan (Brenda), Wendy Bradley (Dan), Elaine McManus (Fred), Andy Gajan (Debbie), Robert Gajan (Gwen), Dawn Gajan, and Alton Gajan (Cheryl). Survived by his mother, Emma G. Marchand (Norris), wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, Hokie is preceded in death by his father, his nephew Daniel Bradley, and granddaughter Grace Rose Sell.
A humble man with a strong work ethic, Hokie’s tastes were simple yet he had a passion for what he considered to be the finer things in life: family, friends, faith, football, and the great outdoors. His success in playing football at LSU and then professionally in New Orleans made him a reluctant hometown legend. Never one to seek the spotlight, this beloved Saint continued with the NFL as a scout and later found his niche off the field and into the broadcast booth. His instinctive knowledge of the game and flawless quick wit propelled countless fans to “turn down the sound on the TV and turn up Saints radio.” Despite his local fame, Hokie’s proudest role was being Paw Paw to eight grandchildren. A man of few but impeccably choice words, his life has left an unforgettable mark not only on Louisiana football, but also on the hearts of those that adored his colorful Hokieisms. Hokie Gajan saw the bigger picture, on and off the field, and leaves an incredible legacy behind. We know, without a doubt, that this Saint went marching in to Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Hokie’s memory to Sarcoma Foundation of America www.curesarcoma.org/donate/.