Edwin J. Besson Jr.'s Obituary
Edwin J. Besson, Jr., age 101, of Covington, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, August 8,
2024. He was born on September 3, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Besson Antoine and her husband Alan; grandchildren,
David B. and Jared M. (Rachel) Antoine; great-grandchildren, Carson and Evelyn Antoine; Sisters,
Marie Jacqueline B. Wilcox and Martha B. Carrier and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Beverly Thompson Besson; parents,
Edwin J. Besson, Sr. and Claudia LeBlanc Besson; and siblings, Sr. Olga B. Rushing F.S.Sp.J., Marie B.
Laurent, Francis R. Besson, and Claude J. Besson.
Only months after his wedding, Eddie answered the call of his country by serving honorably in
the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Seabee in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He later served in the
Louisiana Army National Guard for twenty years and retired as Chief Warrant Officer. Eddie then
became an owner of “Ed’s Texaco” on Downman Road, New Orleans for 18 years. He was then called
to serve under Rev. Emile Lafranz as Assistant Director and Pastoral Counselor at The Center of Jesus
The Lord in New Orleans where he also led the choir in songs of praise and worship. He traveled to the
Holy Land and many other countries during this time.
Eddie was an avid Saints fan and was an original ticket holder from when the Saints played in Tulane Stadium. He played golf for many years and enjoyed eating good food. Eddie was a man of deep faith who loved God, his family, his country and served all three. Eddie was a resident of Chalmette, LA for 49 years and relocated to Mandeville after Hurricane Katrina. He also lived at The Windsor Senior Living Community for seven years and The Trace Senior Living for the last two years.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Trace and Passages Hospice for their
compassionate and professional care of “Mr. Ed”.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Besson may be made to Catholic Charities
Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial mass on Friday, August 23, 2024, at
11:00 AM at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1501 West Causeway Approach, Mandeville,
Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Southeast Louisiana
Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, Louisiana.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be entrusted with Mr.
Besson’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by
signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Edwin?
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Share a story where Edwin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edwin you’ll never forget.
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