William "Billy" Etheridge Hogan

William Etheridge Hogan, 67, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 1. Billy was born on September 10,1956 in Lake Charles to the late Jeane and Bill Hogan. He was the eldest sibling of Kenny (deceased) and Vanessa. He graduated from Barbe High School and received his BA from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Billy designed and built his home in the piney woods near Natchitoches. He truly “lived off the land” and incorporated the resources and beauty of the surrounding forest in his home. 

After college, he spent his years as tutor, teacher, and mentor to many children. He taught drawing and set design at the Louisiana State Governor’s Program for Gifted Children for 37 years. He worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters where he was named Humanitarian of the Year. He achieved a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and worked as an instructor. Billy was a huge lover of animals and rescued many throughout his lifetime. He saw the best in people and was able to love and help, especially those in need because he felt it was important to quietly accompany others on their journey. He saw beauty in all God’s creations and could create something beautiful from a pile of sticks. He was a designer for numerous productions, weddings, anniversaries, and Christmas celebrations throughout his life. As a continuation of his want to help others, his lifelong wish was his body to be donated to science. His wish has been fulfilled.

Someone once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Billy’s most endearing talent, more than even his art, was his constant service to his family, friends, students, and even strangers. This was his greatest gift to all of us. Matthew 23:11 says “The greatest among you will be your servant.” This is what he lived.

Billy is survived by his sister Vanessa Hogan, his nieces and nephews, and cousins as well as his furry companion, Sparky.

Memorial gifts may be made to Friends of the Governors Program for Gifted Children linktr.ee/fogpgc

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.