Editor of Louisiana newspapers remembered for mentorship, nose for news

Marvin Gene Mearns, of Mandeville, a longtime editor of The Baton Rouge Advocate, New Orleans Times-Picayune and Houma Daily Courier, died Dec. 21, 2024.

He was 86.

Beloved for his steady and gentle mentorship of generations of Louisiana journalists, Mearns began his 50-year career in journalism covering the state Capitol for United Press International following his graduation from LSU.

After he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army, Mearns returned to Louisiana newspapers. He worked during different points in his career as the St. Bernard/Plaquemines bureau chief for The Times Picayune/The States-Item, as the executive editor of the Daily Courier and as an editor of suburban and metro news for The Advocate.

Born Feb. 21, 1938, in Lake Charles, Mearns lived for many years in Houma and New Orleans and later Baton Rouge. Wherever he was, he remained a fixture in the newsroom, his family said, even after Hurricane Katrina displaced him in 2005.

Mearns, who went by his middle name “Gene,” was an exacting wordsmith with rare editing skills. He could refine reporters’ copy with strong, precise verbs and concise phrases but keep his own fingerprints hidden, retaining the style of the writer.

A calming voice for reporters facing imminent nighttime deadlines, Mearns also exceled at seeing the long view, often giving journalists nudges to dig beneath the daily story.

“Gene had a good nose for stories and a wonderful rapport with his reporters,” said Fred Kalmbach, managing editor for The Advocate. “He also was a great writing coach, with a penchant for sniffing out and eliminating cliches.”

Dr. Micah Hatchett, Mearns’ stepdaughter, said he was a wonderful father and grandfather who gave her the same training in writing that he had given so many young journalists.

Hatchett said journalism and writing were among the “biggest loves” of his life.

“He read the paper every day until the day he died, so that’s the kind of man he was,” she said.

Mearns is survived by his wife, Bridgid Hirt Mearns; Hatchett and her husband, Jesse; and grandchildren, Brice Hatchett, and Luke Hatchett. He is also survived by his siblings and many extended family members and friends.

Services will be held privately at a later date.