Edward G. Edson III
Edward Gilroy Edson III, known lovingly as “Big Ed” passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Born on March 27, 1949, Ed was the son of Mamie White Edson and Edward Gilroy Edson, Junior.
Ed’s family was the most important thing in his life. He cherished every role as a son, brother, father and grandfather. A lifelong resident of Beaumont, Texas, he had many favorite places, but the beaches of Bolivar were his playground and as a master bonfire builder, he lit up the sky, literally and figuratively.
Ed graduated high school from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana and was an honorary graduate of the Forest Park High School class of 1967. At Culver he was Regimental Team Captain for wrestling, tennis and football. He was Captain of the Four-Gun Drill Artillery, and upon graduation Ed served our country in the United States Army. A Second Lieutenant, he was appointed as an Army Reserve Commissioned Officer during the Vietnam War.
He earned a degree from The University of Oklahoma majoring in Philosophy. During his time at OU he was an active member of the Army ROTC and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He made friends at these institutions whom he retained relationships with for the rest of his life.
Returning home to Beaumont, Ed raised his family with roots deeply planted in the Southeast Texas beaches, marshes and fields. He was an active real estate broker for half a century. Ed was President of Edson Realty Company, President of the Beaumont Board of Realtors, President and Incorporation Officer of Beaumont Main Street, Chairman of the Board of Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas, Chairman of All Saints Episcopal School Board, and served on numerous private and community boards. He was a loyal and passionate member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont where he remained active until his death. Handwritten notes found in his office included what Rotary represented to him, “To go out, roll up our shirt sleeves, and do good in the world.”
The love of outdoors was Ed’s signature passion. In his childhood home he found joy in the wonderland of snakes, turtles and frogs. This was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with hunting, fishing and all things outside. His sixth-grade teacher noted that Ed was “very smart but has an overwhelming fascination with nature.” That fascination led to years of service and recognition in Ducks Unlimited where he served as Chairman and the National Director, and the Coastal Conservation Association, serving in every leadership role and advocating for the growth and awareness of both organizations. Skeet shooting practice rounds were a hobby at the One in 100 Gun Club, and many nights and weekends were spent at the family gator ranch where stories were told and memories made. Time on the water and in hunting blinds were shared with his children and grandchildren. Big Ed welcomed their friends-teaching, hosting and even putting them to work. He made certain the girls could cast and shoot as well as the boys! These moments were the most treasured times of his life, and his grandchildren will carry on all the things he knew and loved most. Like a pocketknife, Ed had an idea and a tool for anything!
Gone from us too soon, Ed’s sharp wit and life anecdotes will live eternally within those who knew him. He is survived by his son, Edward “Eddie” Gilroy Edson, IV and his wife Samantha of Houston; daughter, Ashley Edson Bryan and her husband, Tab of Beaumont; Robert “Bob” Bolt Edson and his wife, Julie of Beaumont; brothers, John “Johnny” Wilson Edson and his wife Mary Ann; Richard “Rick” Montgomery Edson and his wife Wendy; and sister, Mary “Missy” Edson Fisher and her husband, Christopher; grandchildren, William Bradford Bryan, Edward Edson Bryan, Bradley Banks Bryan, Poppy “Edson” Hebert, and Edward “Denver” Gilroy Edson, V; nieces and nephews, Chris Fisher, Annie Taylor and her husband Nick, their girls Lyla and Dylan; forever friend and mother of his children, Brenda and her husband, Cullen White, and his “right arm,” Lisa Gilchriest.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Patrick Hamilton Edson and Robert Christopher Edson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SMU Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. via Venmo to the username @NTXDU referencing it’s for SMU; the Rotary Club of Beaumont, 2355 Interstate 10 South, Ste. 213, Beaumont, Texas 77705 give online; or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701 give online.
Friends are invited to gather with family and share memories of Ed from five to seven o’clock in the evening on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A memorial service will be held at two o’clock on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, Beaumont. Immediately following the service will be a military salute at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- March 9, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Memorial Service
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
- 680, Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- March 10, 2025
- 2:00 pm
Military Salute
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- March 10, 2025
We lost a one of one. An irreplaceable one of one and, I truly believe, God just got sick of us getting to be around him all of the time and decided he wanted to have some time with Big Ed all to himself.
Although he was a very responsible adult, a great father, brother, uncle and friend, he had something that most of us don’t have and forget as we get older, and that is to never stop finding the fun in life. He found a way where childish playfulness never left him, and that is truly rare.
We should remember that, although ridiculous at times, he most often made us remember what it was like to be free and fun…to be a kid again. Very few have that gift and I hope we can remember this and try to emulate that very special gift of being able to find life fun like children do instead of letting the burdens of adulthood wear us down.
He and I messed with each other constantly. He forced me, as a child, to swim the longest swim of my life, what seemed like a mile to a 12 yr old, from the old white boat to the beach, so that he could get it onto the trailer. I was supposed to get to the beach and guide him where to go. The beach, unbeknownst to me, was the naked old person beach on Bolivar. I swam harder than I ever have, fearing death, but made it. He was just testing my fortitude…with a joke for himself at the end.
Last summer, I told him I was going to find that elusive sandbar he always spoke of, knowing it didn’t exist. He said “alright” as only he could say it, thinking I’d turn back after the second…and then I proceeded to swim so far out that I actually frightened him and he told me to stop, waving at me wildly to get me to come back in. He was actually frightened for me, somewhat pissed, but I think, deep down, proud because that lesson of reasonable fearlessness on the very edge of reckless abandonment, he had taught me when I was 12, led me to swimming out further than anyone he’d seen swim out before…more than the distance I was from that white boat to the nude beach. I pushed the limits he taught me to push and pushed further to the brink of it being very very dangerous, just like he would have. I got the joke on him this time, at the end of this one, knowing that I scared the Man the Myth the Legend, the man that didn’t fear anything often… and I also debunked his sandbar theory because there were no more sandbars.
Some of the last words I had with him, personally, was telling him, “You are my blood, my uncle, my friend,” during one of the many conversations we had after the hurricane devastated Asheville…and this was a conversation about how I was doing a week before he died. The hurricane happened last September but he texted and called weekly to check on me up until he passed. That’s how much he cared for me. I wish I had said more.
Some of the last words he said to me were, “gator gars ain’t that bad,” alluding to the fact that I am a huge bitch cause one terrified me on a fishing trip and caused me to jump into the back of the boat.
We had that kind of friendship where we could be very serious with one another one minute, and very joking and sarcastic the next.
He was more than an uncle to me. He was my godfather. He was genuinely my second dad growing up. He was my mentor. He was one of my best friends and always will be. I miss him so very much and hope he knows how much I love and respect him.
Love you UE.
Ashley,
Wrapping you, Eddie and Bob up in love. Your dad was the best – he always had a big smile and was energetic about whatever plans you and our friends were trying to make – he for sure had ideas and solutions! I’ll cherish all the times at Crystal Beach watching your dad build a bonfire. He absolutely adored you. I love how you were raised right there alongside your brothers learning about nature, hunting and fishing, alligators, football and business. I’m so glad that you have lived in Beaumont and been in such close proximity to your dad to make a million memories to last a lifetime. I love you and I’m so very sorry. I know your heart is hurting. Xo
The best of memories!
Thank you Laurie
My sincere condolences to the Edson family. Ashley, praying God’s loving arms will wrap around you and keep you through this time of loss. Continued prayers for the family.
Thank you 💕
The legend of Eddie Ed…
Ed and my dad, Mark Coffin, were best friends since college, and Ed was like an uncle to me. I have great memories of the beach house, the gator ranch, playing liars dice, shooting clays, and the duck marshes from when I was 5 years old all the way up until I saw Ed just a few months ago in Beaumont while visiting my dad.
We would talk about our military careers, family, and our faith in Christ, and how coming to know Jesus changed our lives for the better.
I will miss his wit, his hilarious stories, and his heart. That man was truly one of a kind.
Thank you for your sweet words! We love Mark and have cherished being around him even more since we lost Ed.
💕we love Mark, so thankful to have him in our life.
I was so sorry to learn of Eddie’s death. I grew up across the street from his family & was best friends with Missy during our early years. I spent lots of time with Missy & her family & Eddie was part of the experiences. There are lots of good memories for which I am grateful. I’m sad that Eddie is gone so soon. God bless all of his remaining family members as you go through this difficult time. He was a good guy in a very special family to me.
Thank you so much.
Oh we love these stories, thank you 🙏
So sorry to hear about Big Ed💔 He was like a Dad to me growing up. He taught me how to snowski, play Pente and Poker , how to back a boat in / trailer, shoot a gun, anchor the tube in the waves (or try too) plus many other adventures! Ed loaned me his treasured jeep many times in high school! I also borrowed the suburban one school morning and when I opened the door to get out …beer cans and shotgun shells rolled out the door! 🤣I was blessed to be a part of his life and yours as the babysitter 😍He loved all his kids and grandkids. He always shared his passion and love for nature and her creatures. I will miss him and his random texts and emojis 🤣 I love you all ❤️
Love the memories as you were like a big sister to me. We love you Lisa, let me know the next ski trip you want to join us in!!
A
💗 I’ve heard so much about you Lisa!
Aaron and I have been telling stories and reliving memories about Big Ed over the last few days. He will be sorely missed. He shaped the class of 1999 boys in many ways teaching them card games, how to shoot a gun, and clean a bird or a gator, and build a bonfire. The most resourceful man we knew. We loved him so much!
Our heartfelt condolences,
Aaron and Lexie
💕
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Dearest Ashley, Eddie and Bob, our hearts are hurting for each of you and your families and Brenda and Cullen! To say Big Ed was a great guy is an understatement. There are really no words to describe his love of the life that surrounded him, from his squirrels in the backyard to his children and grandchildren. When he and Jimmy took the boys hunting and they accidentally killed too many birds, somehow all the extras ended up in Jimmy’s suburban because Ed was president of Ducks Unlimited. Knows we love you and you and family are in our prayers and Big Ed is in an eternal hunting ground where he can hunt and fish until his hearts content! Hugs, Susan and Jimmy
Love this! Thank you. 🩵
Love you 🥰
I will always treasure the time I spent with Ed and his beautiful family. I spent summer after summer at the beach telling stories and playing cards. I spent more time in his boat than my own. Ed was adventersome, energetic and full of life in the outdoors. We both shared the memory of serving in the military service. He was a great friend and a great man. God got another good one.
He has told us of many of the stories the two of you shared! Thank you for your kind words.
💕
We shared so many memories with your dad when David and I moved to Beaumont. Poker games, beach trips, and the best was when your dad took David fishing off shore. The minute they passed the jetties, David got seasick. Since it was the beginning of the trip, being a good friend, Eddie dropped him off on a drilling rig platform and continued to fish.
There are many more memories that we will cherish.
The most important thing to Eddie was the three of you. I’ve never seen a prouder dad when each of you came into the world. Eddie gave the word strut a new meaning. He was so proud of the three of you. And when you made him a grandfather, his life was complete.
Charish the memories he left you. Big Ed will live on in your hearts forever. We are sending you all lots of love and prayers while Eddie continues his life in heaven.
😘
I fell in love with this handsome blue-eyed boy during the summer of my junior year at Forest Park High School. My cousin was dating Johnny and introduced us. Our relationship was one that I will always treasure. He taught me to slalom ski in the Neches River and took me on a deep sea fishing trip with his Mom and Dad and Missy. Missy saved my life that day because I got so sea sick! (I’m forever grateful to her!)
Eddie took me to my first Red River Shootout in Dallas and was sort of a good sport when my Texas Longhorns won 26-20. He gave me his Beta Theta Pi initials on a necklace in the summer of 1968. I still have 2 charms he gave me. One was his of his Culver graduation insignia and one was a charm inscribed on the back, “Merry Christmas Eddie ‘67 with a dime encased so that “I could always call him.” I’m not sure that this is the proper forum to post, but I want his family to know how much I loved him and the memories of him that I will cherish forever. Sending my deepest sympathies to all of his loved ones.
Thank you for sharing! Those blue eyes were very captivating, as was his amazing personality.
Paula, thank you for this gift. Thank you.
We are thinking about your family. Ed was bigger than life in so many ways. Businessman, Outdoorsman, Military Man and Friend to so many. We shared a love of Oklahoma University. I enjoyed our many visits about Sooner football. He was a truly a good guy and will be missed. Our love to all of you.
💕 thank you
Ed was bigger than life and meant so much to so many…Your family is so special to us as we extend our most sincere condolences to each and every one of you…🙏❤️🙏
Kind words from such Royalty. We love your whole entire family and we feel the support!
Love, William,Ashley William, and Edward.
He loved the Persia’s BIG!
I will always remember my cousin for his electric smile and bright eyes. He was a gem and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Melanie
Thank you, Melanie
He will be missed
🥰
Ashley, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Another taken far too soon. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.
Thank you so much,
Ashley
Ed Edson my longtime great friend. We shared so many great times hunting, fishing, Ducks Unlimited and Gator ranch. We had more fun than the law allows. Ed will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Ed Edson my longtime great friend. We shared so many great times hunting, fishing, Ducks Unlimited and Gator ranch. We had more fun than the law allows. Ed will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Thank you Richard, I know how much you meant to him. And probably more stories than his kids need to know 😘
Love you,
Ashley
Ed was a dear friend and especially as companion during many memories of Hunting and Fishing. His Love for Family will be forever and may Ashley, Ed and Bob be at peace.
Our fishing buddy Drew Polk
Thank you for all the wonderful memories 😍
And fishing trips no one could believe! Much love to you
Ashley
Eddie, Ashley and Bob,
I will miss your Dad especially during football season. Living in Beaumont, there are very few of us cheering for the OU Sooners. Years ago, “Big Ed” and I were delighted when Eddie and my son enrolled as Freshman at OU. It thrilled Ed when they pledged “his” fraternity. He had an amazing love for the outdoors that he proudly shared with his children and grandchildren. Ed was a great guy with a bigger than life personality. Rest in Peace, “Big Ed.”
Boomer Sooner! What a die hard OU fan Dad was! Almost as big as (mom)Brenda but no one can top her!
Love to you
So sorry to hear of Eddie’s passing. We were classmates at Forest Park. He was such a great guy. Our prayers go out to his family.
Sharon & Johnny
Thank you so much.
I loved his stories of high school in Beaumont!!
When you get our age, deaths become more of a common place.
Losing Eddie hits hard.
We were born on the same day in 1949. Always celebrated our birthdays together. But that’s not our common bond. We were both infected with a love of the marsh and those northern birds that made the flights south every fall and winter.
Didn’t matter if the hunt was successful or not. Just seeing the sun rise over the cat tails was enough.
Eddie loved hunting. He loved introducing hunting to his kids and grandkids. To them.. he was special.
To say learning of Ed’s passing would be an understatement.
Beaumont you lost a good one yesterday. So did the marsh just outside of Winnie.
Rest in peace my old friend. Rest in peace.
You know him well and I love hearing of the hunting days. Thank you Mr. Williams and Happy Birthday this month.
Much love from the Edson’s
I’m shocked to learn the news about Ed this morning. I had just tried reaching out to him on the 26th and I am heart broken to learn of his passing. He was a great man who loved to talk about his family, and waterfowl & alligator hunting south of Winnie. God Bless to all his family
🥰
Ashley, you have been in my constant prayers. Thinking of your family & we are here if we can help in any way. May God comfort you & the boys & hold you tight. xoxo, Kristin & Trey
I knew your comment would be a hard one to read, you truly know what loss feels like to the bone. We will be spending many days with you and the horses, it all makes sense why you need a place with the animals. Love you,
Ashley
Our hearts are broken. Ed and I visited on text often. That was our way of visiting. He so loved his children and grandchildren. He will be missed 🥲 God bless all his family
Thank you Aunt Jean and Uncle Gus we love you 😘
We are heartbroken with Ed’s passing. Ed was a very positive person in my son in law and daughter Lexies lives. He will be so missed. Prayers for peace and comfort. Love Margi and Rocky.
Thank you
Love 💕 to you and yours
Ash