Louis "Wayne" McLin

Wayne, age 72, a native of Baton Rouge, born June 28, 1953 passed away after a long illness on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at his home in Baptist, LA. He was surrounded by his husband Jacob ‘Jake’ Warren Kinchen, nephew Chase Hoyt, trusted friends Daryl Wall, Brandon Elliott, and Susan Paysse. Wayne is survived by his husband Jacob ‘Jake’ Warren Kinchen, his nephew Chase Hoyt, brother and sister in law Orlon ‘Shorty’ Rogers (Ferol Fitzmorris Rogers), a host of nieces and nephews, lifelong friend Daryl Wall, close friends, Brandon Elliott and Susan Paysse. Wayne is preceded in death by his father Louis Augustus McLin, stepfather Gage Rcks, mother Nanny Pearl Russell McLin Ricks, father in law, Leonard Kinchen, mother in law Sallie Starkey Kinchen, his brother in law Farley B. Kinchen and his beloved dogs, Sheba, Stump, and Sallie. Wayne earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Computer Sciences at S.L.U. in Hammond where he served as a proud cheerleader for the Lions. After college Wayne went on to build a dedicated career in his field with the State of Louisiana in Baton Rouge and Greenwell Springs before retiring to his home in Baptist. Wayne shared a deeply affectionate and special bond with his mother in law whom he affectionately called Aunt Sallie. Whenever Warren worked evenings he made sure to have dinner with her. She was know to say he was the only man she knew who could sit down for dinner, read the newspaper on his right, watch television on his left, and hold a conversation with her all while eating his food. In later years, Wayne’s mother, ‘MawMaw’ came to live with him. Once again he took on the role of loving caregiver attending to all her needs. He never missed a Drs appointment, physical therapy and saw to it she had the Game Show Network on tv. MawMaw said he missed his calling as a nurse. After retirement Wayne chose to expand his lifelong passion, dedicating his time to the art of plants and landscaping. His immense talents are beautifully evident across his yard and acreage where many varieties of palm trees, plumeria, indigenous plants and too many other to name thrive under his care. His magnificent Staghorn fern, a labor of love is admired by all who visit. On sunny days he would be gallivanting about local nurseries and roadside plant sales with Daryl Wall. The two of them spent many happy hours exploring everything from hidden garden gems, to stopping at a big box store to see what new or on sale plants they had. Wayne was a born conversationalist and a gifted linguist, lets just say he had a way with words. He could sit and debate politics, religion, world affairs, or the weather. At times he had Daryl in the office, Susan on the phone, and possibly one or two people that stopped by and get them all in on the debate. He was a true debater. While Wayne knew many, he held only a few close to his heart. He deeply cherished his friendships, loved his inner circle fiercely and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Modern Hospice of Hammond for their care of Wayne during his final days. Special thanks to William Moore CNA and Lisa RN for their kindness and comfort provided to Wayne’s husband, nephew, and close friends after his passing. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation from New Beulah Baptist Church, 44641 S. Baptist Rd., Hammond, LA. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Bro Les Fogelman will officiate with interment to follow in Sallie Starkey Kinchen Cemetery.

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Louis "Wayne" McLin

June 28, 1953 - June 25, 2026