Tributes

LIVESTREAM LINK: https://vimeo.com/event/6026175 https://www.flipsnack.com/alcbf/rev-luchus-mcshan-program I was born on January 21, 1960, to the late Rev. E. R. McShan and Mattie Beatrice Simmons McShan. My family affectionately called me "Bookie." At the age of ten, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and was baptized, beginning a lifelong journey of faith, ministry, and service to God. I was raised in Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Sayers, Texas, and frequently attended Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Plum, Texas, where my father faithfully pastored both congregations. Those early years established a strong spiritual foundation that guided my life and prepared me for the work God had planned for me. After graduating from Elgin High School in 1978, I continued my education at Dallas College and Austin Community College. Desiring a deeper understanding of God's Word, I also attended Bible college, where I was further equipped for Christian ministry. Shortly after graduating from high school, I met Farris Francis Maples, and we were united in holy matrimony. From this union, God blessed us with our beloved daughter, Cassandra Nicole McShan, affectionately known as "Sandy," who has remained one of my greatest blessings. In time, I answered God's call to preach and was ordained into the ministry at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout the years, I had the privilege of serving as pastor of Goodwill Baptist Church in Dime Box, Texas, and Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Gause, Texas. I was also blessed to serve for 19 years as Associate Pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Elgin, Texas, where Gladys faithfully served alongside me in ministry. The Lord also allowed me to serve beyond the local church. I was affiliated with the Elgin Sub-District of the St. John Regular Baptist Church Association in Austin, Texas. Because of my love for gospel music, I became a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Austin Chapter, as well as the K.L.B. Musicians Alliance of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. God blessed me with a voice to sing His praises, and I considered it an honor to use that gift for His glory. Through my friendship with Dr. Barry J. W. "The Shepherd" Franklin and FOAM Productions, I was blessed to record a gospel music project at no personal expense. One of the greatest joys of that experience was sharing the microphone with my beloved mother as we sang together in praise of our Lord. In June 1994, God blessed me once again when I married the love of my life, Gladys Marie Gray. Together we faithfully served the Lord in ministry for more than 26 years until the Lord called her home on November 23, 2021. Her unwavering love, encouragement, and dedication to God's work were a constant source of strength throughout our years together. God also blessed me with a strong work ethic and opportunities to provide for my family. I began my career with Target, Inc. in Austin, Texas, before joining Elgin Butler Brick in Elgin, Texas, where I faithfully worked for more than twenty years. Later, I became a member of the Durcon Laboratories team in Taylor, Texas. After more than eighteen years of dedicated service, I retired in 2022, grateful for the friendships, experiences, and blessings I received throughout my working career. My commitment to serving others extended into the community as well. I was honored to serve as Vice President of NAACP Chapter 6174 for eight years, working to promote justice and strengthen my community. The Lord also placed a burden on my heart for foreign missions, and I was grateful to support mission work in Belize. Every year, I looked forward to participating in Juneteenth celebrations as a way of honoring our history, our faith, and our community. On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Lord called me home, and I peacefully entered into the presence of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I thank God for allowing my life to be a testimony of faith, humble service, and unwavering devotion to Him, my family, and the communities I was privileged to serve. Before my homegoing, I was preceded in death by my beloved wife of 26 years, Gladys Marie Gray McShan; my parents, Rev. E. R. McShan and Mattie Beatrice Simmons McShan; my sister, Bertha Beatrice McShan Jackson; my brother, Rev. El Jay McShan; my paternal grandparents, Leroy McShan and Lucy Reese McShan; and my maternal grandparents, John Simmons and Beatrice Anderson Simmons. I leave to cherish my memory my loving daughter, Cassandra "Sandy" Nicole McShan Robinson (Edward); my precious granddaughter, Mary Kathryn Robinson; my devoted brother, Roy Bernard McShan (Loretta); my niece, Beatrice Bonita Jackson; my nephews, Bryan Keith McShan and Kendall Christopher Bernard McShan (Veronica); my great-nephews, Jayton Xavier McShan, Jordan Christian McShan, and Jacob Roy Bernard McShan; my uncle, S. H. McShan (Mattie); my stepchildren, Frances Powell, Michelle Powell, and Rev. Michael Powell; the mother of my daughter, Farris Francis Stewart Maples; my special friend, Ruby Mack, whom I affectionately called my "East Texas Queen"; and a host of cousins, extended family members, my church family, and dear friends who have enriched my life and will forever carry my memory in their hearts. Above all, I sought to be a man after God's own heart and a faithful student of His Holy Word. I prayed that my life reflected the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22–23—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If my life encouraged even one person to trust God more fully, then I count it a blessing. Though my earthly journey has ended, I rejoice in knowing that I am forever at home with my Savior. Until we meet again, remember that God's grace is sufficient, His promises are true, and His love never fails.

Tributes

Rev. Luchus Henry McShan

January 21, 1960 - June 19, 2026