Harlan Brooks McElveen

Harlan Brooks McElveen, age 89, passed away peacefully to his heavenly home Sunday, November 3, 2024. A Pearl, MS resident, native of Kentwood, LA and long-term resident of Baton Rouge, LA and Birmingham, AL, his life was defined by his giving spirit and willingness to put others before himself. Brooks was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and loyal friend to many. 

 Brooks graduated from Spring Creek High School in Spring Creek, LA. In the eighth grade he met a beautiful, “older” woman, Elaine. She was exactly one-year older, sharing the same birthday. While their first date did not solidify their path, they did reconnect within a year, when Brooks knew he met the love of his life. They were together for the remainder of high school, marrying soon after Brooks graduated in 1953. 

 After serving in the US Navy for four years, Brooks attended Louisiana State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. Brooks began his career in 1962 as a management trainee at Louisiana National Bank (LNB), a predecessor of Premier Bank. He was instrumental in LNB’s launch of the credit card business in 1968 and managed the credit card center during its period of rapid growth. He held the post of president at four other Louisiana held banks during his career including Bank of Commerce in Shreveport, LA, Continental Bank in Metairie, LA, Bank of St. John in LaPlace, LA and Britton & Koontz First National Bank in Natchez, MS. He returned to Baton Rouge, LA to serve as President of Premier Bank in 1992. He retired after 33 years, in 1995. Throughout his professional career, he held leadership roles in various civic organizations in each community. 

 Brooks was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Elaine Hart (Strickland) McElveen; son, Gregory Lynn McElveen; parents Ashford and Lena (Crawford) McElveen; brothers Charles McElveen and Sandy McElveen; and daughter in law, Gail McElveen. 

 He is survived by his children, David (Dana) McElveen, Dawn (David) Hunt; grandchildren Natalie (Andrew) Day, Kurry (Bryan) Borland, Brooks (Mary Glenn) McElveen, Corey (Victoria) McElveen, Christian (Hailey) McElveen, Emily (Andrew) Fish, Graham (Mallory) Yeatman and Lennon Hunt, ten great-grandchildren and sister Katie McElveen Betancourt. 

 Brooks had an unrelenting drive to succeed in life. This drive was not for individual achievement or recognition, but to provide a life of unlimited possibilities for his family, that were beyond his humble beginnings. He supported anyone seeking his advice to provide guidance in achieving success for their own pursuits. He lived his life with an unmatched level of wisdom and unlimited energy and continued to keep his mind sharp by completing the NYT crossword puzzle each day. His love for his alma mater continued to grow throughout his life receiving great joy from each and every LSU victory. 

 If asked about a life well lived, he would say the happiness and success of his family was a priority over all else. He demonstrated a never-ending support for everyone he loved. 

 Visitation will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home, Brandon, MS on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm with service at 3:00 pm. The family asks In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Juvenile Diabetes Association or Prisma Health Midlands Foundation (give.prismahealthmidlandsfoundation.org) in support of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.