William "Bill" Howard Edmonson

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Bill Edmonson, a resident of Merryville for 77 years passed away peacefully at his home that he built with his wife of 77 years on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was 96 years old.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Millie Edmonson; his sister Juanita Edmonson Rabon; his brother Oscar Edmonson and his wife Mary Dean; two nieces Bettye Dee Rabon and Pamela Winborn, and his son-in-law Earl LaFleur.

He is survived by his wife of 77 years Hazel Cooper Edmonson and his two daughters, Carolyn Edmonson LaFleur and Cynthia Edmonson Hodill (Bob). Bill had three grandchildren: Catherine Grant, Jacquline LaFleur and Garrett LaFleur. He had the privilege of being a great- grandpa to Caleb, Colton, Cambrie and Mason. Bill is also survived by four nieces and two nephews. Bill also has a vast host of great-nieces and great-nephews. He had the privilege of being an uncle times three, a great-great-great uncle.

Bill was born and raised in Horatio, Arkansas where he enjoyed playing on the basketball team. He was a child raised during the depression and knew the value of work and never steered away from it. Bill served in the United States Navy during the Korean War at the rank of Gunner’s Mate 2nd class. Serving his country in the Navy held a special place in his heart.

Bill enjoyed life. He enjoyed God’s creation, maintaining his yard and being with his family. From landscaping his church to the city pavilion, he was always willing to lend a helping hand with the talent God gave him. Most of all Bill enjoyed knowing he was saved by the grace of God and that he would be with his Savior Jesus Christ.

Bill and Hazel were members of Calvary Baptist Church in Junction (Merryville), Louisiana, where his visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, and continue on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the time of funeral services, also at Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday at 2:00. Brother Jim Myers and Reverend Alexandria L. Geovanni will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Buddy Edmonson, Lee Edmonson, Tony Figaro, Rick Tucker, Garrett LaFleur, and Robert "Bob" Hodill. Honorary pallbearers will be Craig LaFleur, Frind Myers, Steve Cooper, Ronald Cooper, Jerry Hennigan, Pard Stark, Kevin Williamson, and Ronnie Waddle. Interment will follow immediately after services at Cooper Cemetery in Merryville, LA.