Edward Wilhelm Christiansen Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Wilhelm Christiansen, Jr., USAF, Retired, of Metairie, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 28th, 2014. He was 90. Born on November 10, 1923 in Savannah, GA, he attended Warren Easton High School and earned bachelor degrees from both Washburn University and the University of New Orleans. He married the former Helen Patricia Priest, and together they had three sons, Edward III, Michael and Jerry. After Patricia's passing, Edward married the former Sharon Faucheaux and had one son, Terry. Edward volunteered for the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, completing over 20 missions as a B-26 pilot in the European theatre. After the war, he flew 121 missions as a transport pilot in the Berlin Airlift, and later served as a fighter pilot in Germany, as well as in various assignments in Iceland, the Pentagon, and finally as the Air Force liaison to the Louisiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked in the hotel/tourism business, spending 20 years as a part-owner and manager of the Saint Charles Inn on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. For his service in World War II, he was given the Chevalier (Knight) de la Légion d'Honneur, the highest decoration awarded by the French government. A unique soul, Edward thoroughly enjoyed spoiling his pets and spending time with his family at Moccasin Run, his camp on the Tangipahoa River. He will be greatly missed. Edward is survived by his wife, Sharon, his brother Joseph, his sons Eddie, Jerry, and Terry, ten grandchildren, Jennie, Jay, Alex, Jessica, Kelly, Matthew, Connor, Caroline, Jace, and Lillon, and seven great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his first wife, Patricia, his brother Jimmy, and his son Michael. A memorial service and mass will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 12:00 PM. Family visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 AM and visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment will follow with full military honors at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.