Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, who lived in the same Gonzales neighborhood as Edwards, personally managed the memorial events, arranged the display and stood in Memorial Hall between the Louisiana House and Senate chambers as visitors arrived. Troy Carter, a Democrat who served in the Louisiana Legislature during one of Edwards’ terms, described the former governor as “just someone that you could never question his love of the people of Louisiana.” The mourners were diverse, including people who never met Edwards personally, lawmakers, former elected officials and his closest political allies. But after an initial crowd of a few hundred cycled past the casket, visitors thinned to a steady trickle. He arrived four hours before the visitation event was open to the public, expecting long lines and a packed mass of people waiting to get in. A registered Republican, Naquin wore an Edwards campaign T-shirt and a Trump 2020 ballcap. Naquin visually demonstrated the unusual coalitions of support Edwards built during his lifetime. He wasn’t just a politician,” said Wilfred Naquin, 73, a retired firefighter who lives an hour away in Independence. “He was the best governor in my lifetime. “He related to his constituents.”Įdwards died Monday of respiratory problems at his home in Gonzales, a suburb of Baton Rouge, at age 93. He helped a lot of poor people,” she said. The history of this state cannot be told without telling the story of Edwin Edwards.”Īngela Smothers, 65, a retired substitute teacher, also traveled the 80 miles (128.75 kilometers) from New Orleans to the state’s capital city to see the Democratic former governor one last time. “You cannot study Louisiana politics without studying Edwin Edwards, the good, the bad, the indifferent. “I couldn’t miss it,” said Kevin Hagan, 30, a one-time political science student who drove from New Orleans for Edwards’ public memorial event. That prison term, however, wasn’t front of mind to those who came to say their goodbyes to Louisiana’s most prominent and charismatic elected official since firebrand populist Huey Long was governor and U.S. The quick-witted politician dominated the state’s politics for decades, but a corruption scandal sent him to federal prison for about eight years after he left office. Edwin Edwards on Saturday, saying their farewells at a public viewing in the marble-trimmed main hall of the state Capitol where the powerful and flamboyant politician served 16 years.Įdwards was the only person elected four times as Louisiana’s governor during a career of remarkable highs and lows. Mourners steadily filed by the flag-draped open casket of former Louisiana Gov. 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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