Edwin J. Besson, Jr., of Covington, La., passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the age of 101. He was born on September 3, 1922, in New Orleans, La. 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 the owner of 'Ed's Texaco' on Downman Road, in 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 a.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1501 West Causeway Approach, in Mandeville, La., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, La. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh. com.