Arabella Cann University of Louisiana at Monroe William Derwood Cann Jr. (September 12, 1919 – July 12, 2010), was a World War II lieutenant colonel who subsequently became a college professor, manufacturing executive, and the interim mayor of Monroe in Ouachita Parish in northeastern Louisiana.

[1] Cann was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at LSU.

From 1943 until 1945, he was a paratrooper, unit commander, and staff officer with the 101st Airborne Division in the European Theater of Operations, with participation at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and other locations.

In 1946, he became an aide de camp with the 82nd Airborne Division to Major General James M. Gavin, who was known for his unleashing of paratroopers during World War II.

From 1964 to 1972, Cann served on the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry under appointment from Governor John McKeithen.

[3] Cann was active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Public Affairs Research Council, Bayou DeSiard Country Club, March of Dimes, YMCA, American Red Cross, the United Way, and the Boy Scouts of America.