Galen David "Skipper" Berne

Galen David Berne, affectionately known as "Skipper," passed away peacefully at his home in Loranger, Louisiana, on December 2, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on October 28, 1947, in Hammond, Louisiana, Galen lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for his family.

A proud rifleman in the United States Marine Corps, Galen honorably served his country in Vietnam, exemplifying courage and patriotism. After his military service, he dedicated 30 years of his career to Shell Oil Company, working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and later consulting for Shell Oil Company at the Robert Training Center.

Galen was a devoted husband for 55 years to the love of his life, Barbara Morel Berne, and a proud father to his five children: Glenda Husser (Roger "Bo" Husser Jr.), Gayle Berne (Brady Floyd), Grant Berne, Gwen Sweeney (Christopher Sweeney), and Gavin Berne (Kelly Berne). He was preceded in death by his beloved son, David Berne; his mother, Helen Oliphant Brown; his stepfather, Alonzo Brown; his father, George Berne; and his stepmother, Jean Lee Berne.

Galen’s legacy lives on through his seven cherished grandchildren: Joshua Husser (Brittany), Luke Sweeney, Logan Husser, Georgette Berne, Drew Sweeney, George Berne II, and James Berne, as well as his three beloved great-grandchildren: Hudson Husser, Henley Husser, and Charlie Husser. He is also survived by his sisters, Annette Bauers, Florence Thurman, and Terri Hinshaw, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Notwithstanding good-natured ribbing from his wife and children about his coats of many colors and hats and accessories (he may have been dubbed a “grand poobah” on more than one occasion), as master mason, Galen served three terms as Worshipful Master and six terms as Secretary for the Spring Creek Lodge #184. He was also a Plural Mason for Pine Lodge #264. Additionally, Galen held many posts within the York Rite. His contributions included serving in Ascension Chapter #49, Carle L. Jackson Council #56 (as a Charter Member), Hammond Chapter #48 (as a Past High Priest and Order of High Priesthood), Joseph W. Robinson Council #36 (as Past Illustrious Master Order of Silver Trowel and Super Excellent Master), and St. Paul Commandery #27 (as Past Commander).

At the Grand Chapter of Louisiana, Galen served as Grand Captain of the Host and Past District Deputy Grand High Priest, receiving the Unity Medal in 2021. In the Grand Council of Louisiana, he was a Past District Deputy Grand Illustrious Master and Cryptic Mason of the Year in 2019. He also actively contributed to the Grand Commandery of Louisiana.

Galen was deeply committed to the Knights Templar, serving as Grand Inspector General and holding titles including Knights Templar Division Commander, Past Legion of Honor (2024), Knights Templar Meritorious Service, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, Knight Crusaders of the Cross, Red Cross of Constantine, and Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest.

Additionally, Galen was a Shriner and a member of the Acacia Temple of Baton Rouge and the Jerusalem Temple of New Orleans. He dedicated his time to transporting patients to the Shreveport Children Shrine Hospital, where he also served on the Board of Directors. He was known to make a pit stop on those many trips to spoil the patients with sweets and treats to brighten their day.

An avid outdoorsman, Galen found solace and adventure in deer hunting and cherished time spent in nature. He also had a remarkable talent for repairing small engines and enjoyed countless hours tinkering in his shop.

Services to honor Galen’s life will be held at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, Louisiana on December 14, 2024 with visitation from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with services commencing at 2:00 p.m. Masonic services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Narretto Cemetery in Loranger, Louisiana.

Galen's legacy is one of strength, humility, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.