Louis Andrew Garland, Jr. Was Born December 4, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa to Louis A. Garland

Louis Andrew Garland, Jr. was born December 4, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa to Louis A. Garland, Sr. and Hattie Beatrice Gates. He was a twenty-five year resident of Wheaton, a former longtime resident of Carol Stream, and passed away at home on Thursday, January 21, 2010.

Sixty-seven years ago Louis married the former Quanajanice McElroy on January 19, 1943 and was soon sent to serve his county in the war. He worked as an engineer in the United States Army from 1943 – 1946 during WWII in the European Theatre of Operations. At the time of his honorable discharge he’d achieved the rank of Corporal and earned three bronze stars. Returning home from the war to his bride and young daughter, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Louis worked for the United States Treasury Office for thirty years as an IRS Agent and Corporate Auditor. He retired from government labor having served five years as a Compliance Officer for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Louis was a family man and often bragged about his children: Tanya, Lois, Verona, Rebecca, and Louis III and their many accomplishments. He also loved being a grandfather and would tell anyone who listened about his wonderful grandchildren.

Louis was active in the NAACP in Iowa serving in many capacities including President and State Coordinator. He continued that work in the Western Suburbs of Chicago and served as President of the DuPage County Branch of the NAACP from 1969-1974. Louis also served as President of the Carol Stream School Board, District 93 and was a founding member of the Chapter of the Kiwanis Club in Carol Stream, Illinois.

Louis was a longtime member of DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Illinois and served faithfully for 25 years in numerous capacities including Vice-Chair of the Steward Board, Treasurer, and member of the Chancel Choir to name a few. He was very active in the Lay Organization of the AME Church and travelled across the connection. He was elected a Lay Delegate to the last five General Conferences of the AME Church. Louis loved the Lord and loved his church.

Louis leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Quanajanice (nee McElroy); his children, Tanya (James) Winfrey, Lois Garland-Patterson, Verona (Donald) Levine, and Rebecca (Alfred) Tinsley; one daughter-in-law, Brandy Garland; his grandchildren Daffinie and James Winfrey, Jr., Leah and Alex Levine, Portia and Zackary Tinsley, and Hannah and Louis Garland IV; many nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Louis A. Garland III; grandson Jason Winfrey, granddaughter Kimberly Garland-Patterson; two sisters Lorraine and Verona Cheatom; and son-in-law Cornelius Patterson.