John Wayne Impson

John Wayne Impson, born October 20, 1939, passed away at his home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. 

A long-time resident of Waveland and Bay St. Louis, John was born in Denham Springs, Louisiana, to Joe and Clara Impson. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in forestry and then later with a combined master’s and doctorate in entomology. He enjoyed his early work which took his young family to Taos, New Mexico, for a year before returning back to make a home in Watson, Louisiana. He later worked for the LSU Extension Service, served as Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Louisiana, and then retired from the USDA in Washington, D.C.

John took great pride in his avocation as a matter and framer for his artist wife Gwen and then as an avid participant in the National Senior Olympics, specializing in the 50, 100, and 200 meter sprints.

He was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother, Douglas; son, John; first wife, Noma; sister, Frances, and his wife of 31 years, Gwen.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Smith (JT); sister, Sandra Langrasse; step-son, Brett Landry (Sanjana) and their two children Raj and Meera; step-daughter, Amy DiMaggio (Andy) and their daughter Anna, as well as nephews and niece, Lance West, Shannon Langrasse Achee, and Chad West and their families.

Pastor Stephen Hebert of Live Oak Church in Watson, Louisiana, will conduct a memorial service in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Visitation begins at 1:30 p.m. and the service begins at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make memorial donations in John’s name to Live Oak Church, P.O. Box 709, Watson, LA 70786, to your ministry of choice. 

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Wayne Impson.