After days of honors and memorials to former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, mourners said a final farewell Sunday.
The state's only four term governor died Monday at the age of 93.
Following visitation in the Louisiana State Capital, a memorial service Sunday included comments from the current governor.
Gov. John Bel Edwards office released his prepared comments.
"It is with a prayerful spirit and grateful heart that I join you today to celebrate the rich life and legacy of former Gov. Edwin Washington Edwards - a son of Louisiana, the state’s only four-term governor, a man who seemed larger than life."
John Bel Edwards recalled Edwin Edwards own description of himself.
"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. I believe his service to our state and nation are proof of everything he worked so hard to achieve."
The current governor made no reference to the past governor's federal corruption conviction and more than eight years in federal prison. He, instead, stressed his that Edwin Edwards left his mark on every part of Louisiana.
"Edwin loved his family, and he certainly loved the people of this state. No one could disagree with that. To his credit, there are many ways in which he left Louisiana a better place to work and call home. His humble beginnings in rural Avoyelles Parish, the son of a sharecropper, taught Edwin many lessons that he carried with him throughout life."
John Bel Edwards also said that he and the former governor share attributes.
"Now it’s true we share the same last name, but we have so much more in common. His mother was a mid-wife, my mother was a nurse. Both lawyers, both served in the military, he was in the Navy and I was in the Army. We both emerged from small towns with big dreams to serve the people of our state. We shared a belief that government at its best was meant to help others, education should be accessible to all children no matter their race or background, and that we have a responsibility to help the poor. There is a robust role for government in improving lives, fostering opportunity and prosperity. He believed that diversity is one of Louisiana’s greatest strengths. In fact, when it came to diversifying state government at the executive level, he was the first governor to make it a priority. Before him there were no African Americans in the Governor’s Office or at the cabinet level in the state agencies. In short, he wanted his administration to look like Louisiana, a belief I hold and a commitment I have continued to build on. He was a big supporter of Southern University and especially loved the marching band. We absolutely have that in common. It’s no surprise that one of his wishes was to have them participate in today’s service. By the way, the band did a beautiful job today. Edwin was instrumental in the band’s participation in Pres. Bill Clinton’s inauguration, the university’s new administration building, the expansion of A.W. Mumford stadium, and most importantly the creation of the Southern University System during the 1973 Constitutional Convention."
He said they also shared a steadfast belief that access to quality healthcare is a right that everyone should be able to access – not the privileged few.
The current governor also pointed out that his mother worked at Charity Hospital for decades.
He said Edwards' legacy includes working hard to help those who couldn't help themselves and using his voice to speak up for the impoverished.
The two had a relationship since Edwin Edwards release from prison and John Bel Edwards election.
"Edwin, Trina and Eli often came to visit me and Donna at the mansion. They have always supported us and for that we will always be grateful. I can tell you firsthand how much he loved his family. And Eli was his absolute heart. Edwin’s eyes weren’t big enough to see him. He always brought mansion cookies home for Eli."
He described the past governor as smart, witty, charming, AND never at a loss for words.
"With him a sharp retort or a funny joke was always on the way. When he was in the room you knew it. He was both a risk taker and a straight shooter. Edwin always considered things from both sides – the pros and the cons. It was a built-in barometer that served him well throughout his numerous times in office from the Crowley City Council to the halls of Congress to the Governor’s Mansion. Many have said at the heart of the man was respect for all. When it comes to political issues he had “opposition” not enemies. A consummate politician, he worked tirelessly honing his arguments and calling on his most skilled allies like John Alario to try to win over those who did not see things his way. One minute he may have been fiercely debating an issue with you, and the next he was inquiring about your family or offering to share a good meal. Relationships deeply mattered to him. He put people over politics, something else we share and could certainly use more of today."
John Bel Edwards also took issue with Edwin Edwards' critics during his comments.
"You know, there were only two types of people in our state when it came to Edwin Edwards: those who loved him and those who he would say were just wrong about such an upstanding citizen. In my opinion he didn’t just like being governor – he loved it! In a 2011 interview Edwin said, “I have been treated with a great deal of respect considering where I have come from and feel that I managed to accomplish a great many things.”
After listing many of Edwin Edward's accomplishments, John Bel Edwards added, "One thing is certain, there is NO debate about his commitment to public service and pride in our state."
He concluded his comments by thanking Edwin Edwards.
"On behalf of the people of this great state, I thank Edwin Edwards for his service grounded by those deep Cajun roots and a deep love for Louisiana. May he rest in peace. Thank you and God bless."
