SHREVEPORT, La. — A memorial mass honoring the life of Dr. E. J. Nosser will be at St. John Berchmans Cathedral, 939 Jordan St., Shreveport, on July 30, 2011, at 11 a.m., with a reception for family and friends immediately after the mass, next door in the Cathedral Grade School multi-room.

He had donated his body to LSU Health Science Center for research and his remains will be interred at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a private services.

Dr. Nosser passed away on July 2, 2011, at the Christus Schumpert Grace Home following a brief illness. E. J. was born in Vicksburg on March 15, 1928, the second son of Rafka Mitchell and J. M. Nosser, who immigrated from Lebanon to Vicksburg. E. J. attended St. George’s Syrian Orthodox Church as a lad and graduated from Carr Central High School, where he was captain of the football and track teams. His business training began early in life as a young boy, working in the family grocery business, J. M. Nosser & Sons, on the Mississippi Riverfront in Vicksburg.

During the Korean War, E. J. enlisted in the U.S. Navy for carrier duty. He was proud to have served his country and of his decorated military service. While in training at the Maryland Naval Base, he was named “Honor Man” of his class, which meant a great deal to him. As his family and friends knew, the virtue of honor was one E. J. practiced throughout his life.

E. J. believed in building one success on top of another. Following the Korean War, using the GI bill, E. J. enrolled in the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and upon graduation in 1957, established his chiropractic practice in Shreveport. During the first 17 years of practice, E. J. and other doctors of chiropractic struggled to attain licensure from the Louisiana legislature. He gave of himself considerable effort and resources on behalf of his profession, at one time enduring unjust prosecution, but with the aid of many supporters and fine legal assistance of many attorneys, led by J. Minos Simon, he was eventually exonerated by the U.S. Supreme Court.

His efforts were rewarded in 1974, when then-Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards signed into law the bill licensing doctors of chiropractic to practice their profession in Louisiana — the last state in the Union to do so. In 1981 his son, Dr. Thomas M. Nosser, joined the practice and is continuing their work.

In recognition of his 54 years of service to the community, the Hon. Mayor Cedric Glover proclaimed May 24, 2007 as “Dr. E. J. Nosser Day” in Shreveport.

Dr. Nosser was a 50-year member of the Chiropractic Association of Louisiana and named “Distinguished Fellow” by the International Chiropractic Association. He was often asked to speak at universities and international symposiums. He was an active member of local civic, professional and social organizations, devoting his efforts to the Shreveport Civitan Club and supporting The Arc Caddo Bossier (formerly known as C-Barc).

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, M. John Nosser; and a nephew, James Andrew Olin, all of Vicksburg.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, the former Gloria Milich; three sons, Ted Walton (Maggie) of San Diego, Calif., Dr. Thomas M. Nosser (Tina) and David A. Nosser (Amy) of Shreveport.; two sisters, Mary Louise Nosser of Vicksburg and Vickie N. Bourland (J. R.) of Columbus, Miss.; two aunts (sisters of his mother), Mrs. Annie M. Abraham of Meridian, Miss., and Mrs. Louise Siede of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and many, many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Dr. Nosser lived a long, generous and rewarding life, enjoying his beloved families and friends in Shreveport, Vicksburg, Meridian and Europe. He was a successful businessman, gentleman, a fighter and an award-winning purveyor of fine humor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. John Berchmans Grade School, 747 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA, 71101; The Arc Caddo Bossier, 351 Jordan, St., Shreveport, LA, 71101; or an organization of your choice.

From our hearts, the Nosser family thanks all at the Christus Schumpert Grace Home, the Christus Highland Hospital staff and our faithful sitters, Lou Gertha Williams and Associates, for the loving and professional care given to our dear one.