CALVIN NOLAN

MCSHAN

Celebrating and Remembering
our Beloved
Calvin Nolan McShan

April 6, 1936 – September 18, 2026

Calvin Nolan McShan was born on April 6, 1936, in Fairfield, Texas, to Calvin Eugene McShan and Ernestine Nolan McShan. A proud graduate of Dogan High School, Class of 1953, Calvin lived an extraordinary life defined by courage, determination, service, and a pioneering spirit.

Following high school, Calvin began his military career, proudly serving in the United States Army’s 11th, 101st, and 82nd Airborne Divisions. A distinguished paratrooper, he earned his Paratrooper Wings, completed 36 parachute jumps, and received specialized jungle warfare training before his honorable discharge in 1956.

Calvin pursued education with the same determination that guided his military service. His academic achievements included degrees from Los Angeles City College, Pepperdine University, the University of Southern California (USC), and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of La Verne. He also completed aviation training and earned commercial airplane and helicopter pilot licenses.

In 1963, Calvin joined the Los Angeles Police Department, where he made history as the department’s first Black helicopter and airplane pilot and supervising aviation Watch Commander. He was also recognized as the first Black helicopter and airplane pilot in civilian law enforcement in the United States. His distinguished LAPD career concluded in 1976 following an injury sustained in the line of duty.

On June 27, 1965, during his years with the LAPD, Calvin married Eleanor Barnetta Grier. Together, they welcomed their two children, Calvin Ethan and Heather Jean. Although their marriage later ended, they remained lifelong friends, sharing an enduring bond of mutual respect, care, and family.

Never one to be limited by circumstance, Calvin continued his professional journey as an entrepreneur, executive, and investigator. He founded McShan Security & Investigative Services, providing personal protection for notable figures including Johnny Carson and Hugh Hefner. He later held executive security leadership positions with Holiday Inn Corporation and Raleigh Enterprises and served as an investigator with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.

Beyond his professional achievements, Calvin was an avid world traveler who explored destinations across six continents, embracing new cultures and experiences. A devoted USC Trojan, he enthusiastically followed USC football, attending countless games both at home and on the road. His adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity, and love of life remained defining qualities throughout his years.

Calvin was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Calvin Eugene McShan and Ernestine Nolan McShan, Dr. Barnett Wesley Grier, Sr. and Eleanor Jean Grier, five siblings: Edison Norris, Raye Ella (Davis), Edward Dean, Leonard Gene, and Guy Madison, nephew/godson, Guy Nolan, and lifelong best friend Walton Greene.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Calvin Ethan McShan; daughter, Heather McShan Metoyer; son-in-law, Elon Jonathan Metoyer; grandson, Quinn Nolan Metoyer; great-granddaughter, Shanti Sage Metoyer; his beloved surviving sister, Elma Marie McShan Springer; sister-in-law, Jackie Grier Wright, brothers-in-law, Dr. Barnett Wesley Grier, Jr. and Clifford J. Wright, and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Calvin also leaves behind his cherished longtime life partner, Mali Chang, and the family he lovingly embraced as his own, including his children-in-love, Arthur and Marsha Chang, Curt and Connie Darling, and his grandchildren-in-love, William and Sofia Chang, and Jameson and Siddhartha Darling. Together, they shared a bond built from years of love, devotion, and treasured memories.

Calvin Nolan McShan leaves behind a remarkable legacy of breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and living life on his own terms. His journey from Fairfield, Texas, to the skies above Los Angeles and destinations around the world stands as a testament to a life exceptionally well lived.