![]() ![]() This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Edwards had four grown children from his first marriage.Ĭopyright 2021 The Associated Press. He served eight years in prison, emerging in 2011 at age 83 to marry for the third time. He insisted he did nothing wrong, blaming the conviction on perjured testimony. He was tried and convicted in 2000 for rigging the riverboat casino licensing process. After being all but written off as politically finished following a failed re-election bid in 1987, he was re-elected in 1991 after securing a runoff spot against a former Ku Klux Klan leader. He was tried and acquitted on corruption charges during his third term. He was in power during the completion of the Louisiana Superdome and was instrumental in efforts that kept the NFL's Saints in New Orleans, saved the financially troubled 1984 World's Fair, brought a casino to New Orleans and, eventually an NBA team.īut he also was frequently touched by accusations of wrongdoing. He drew praise for leading a push for a new state constitution, bringing Black people into state government and ushering in state prosperity with an overhaul of oil taxes in the 1970s. He became famous for sharp wit, deadpan one-liners and political skills that propelled him to two terms as governor in the 1970s, one in the ‘80s and another in the early ’90s. “As he once said, he was both a realist and a dreamer who often dreamed of a better world - and worked to make it so," the current governor said of Edwards in prepared remarks released publicly Sunday afternoon.Įdwin Edwards was a dominant figure in Louisiana politics for much of the late 20th century, having served in the state Senate and in Congress before winning the governorship. John Bel Edwards - no relation to the former governor - who praised Edwards as a consensus builder and deal maker who modernized state government and worked hard to fund education and the state's charity hospital system. The Southern University marching band was part of a procession that carried the body from the 34-story Capitol built in the 1930s, on a nearly mile-long route to the Old State Capitol, a 19th Century structure, where a private funeral ceremony for Edwards was held.Īmong the speakers was current Gov. His body lay in honor Saturday at the Capitol, where members of the public were allowed to file by. The four-term former governor, died at his home in Gonzales last Monday at age 93 after placing himself in hospice care following bouts with respiratory illness. Edwin Edwards down the steps of Louisiana's towering state Capitol Sunday and loaded it onto a horse-drawn carriage for transport to his funeral site. ![]() – Bagpipes played as an honor guard carried the flag-draped casket bearing the body of former Louisiana Gov. 0:00 0:32 Louisiana said goodbye to its only four-term governor, Edwin Edwards, over the weekend as he was eulogized Sunday at the Old State Capitol during a private funeral service. Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.BATON ROUGE, La. To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE. The Courthouse is located at 500 N Parkerson Avenue in Crowley. The register book for the public to sign for Edwards will be at the courthouse in Crowley on Friday, July 16 and Monday, July 19. So the family will know how much he was respected and loved in Louisiana,” said Gueydan native Judy LeBlanc. We really feel that as many people that could come out and do it should do it for the family. This is kind of like a finale for those people as well to pay their respects to the governor,” said Burrell.Įven people who are not from Crowley are coming out to commemorate his legacy. "Underprivileged people that didn't have an opportunity, that might have to travel, you're working today, might not be able to travel to Baton Rouge. Recognizing that love, Acadia Parish administrator Bryan Burrell wanted to make a way for everyone to express their admiration. He's done a lot for Acadia Parish and Acadiana. "My mom and dad went to Governor Edwards' first inauguration, my ex and I went to his last inauguration. Many people say signing the book is their way of giving back to the man who helped build up the Crowley community.įor Crowley native Lorraine Henry, signing the book is her way of reliving memories of his early political career. KATC got a glimpse into the book and the memories the former governor leaves behind.Īt last check, more than six pages are filled with names in the register book for Edwards. While leaders in Baton Rouge prepare a weekend of honor for former Governor Edwin Edwards, tributes on a smaller scale are happening here in Acadiana.Ī guest register is set up in Crowley for those who want to sign and pay their respects. ![]()
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