Eddie Edgar Salassi

Eddie Edgar Salassi, aged 91, died Saturday, November 26, 2011 after an amazing life of service to others. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Alice Leger Salassi; his parents, Edgar & Regina Salassi; and his siblings: Guy, Pete & Nolan Salassi and Edna Salassi White. “Mr. Eddie” was born on February 3, 1920 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He grew up in Vicksburg, MS, but as a young boy spent lots of time with his grandparents on the bayous in the French Settlement area where he developed his love of his Cajun heritage. He graduated high school in Vicksburg and attended business school in Port Arthur, TX. Unable to find work as a bookkeeper, he began work as a machinist for the Union Pacific Railroad back in Vicksburg. After serving in WWII with the Second Armored Division of the US Army Tank Battalion, he settled in Welsh. He was bookkeeper for Lo-Lift Pump Company for over 23 years. While he and Alice Raised their 3 children in Welsh, he was a community volunteer providing disaster relief during hurricanes as a member of the Civil Defense, was a part-time photographer for the Welsh Citizen and was an Adult chaperone and supporter for the Welsh School Band programs. Since his retirement, he has continued to be a very active volunteer in the Welsh community, including VFW Post 9046, American Legion Post 283, and Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. He was an active member of the OLSD Pastoral Council, assisted with parish finances and fund raising, served as an usher at the weekly masses, assisted with setting up for parish events, and loved helping with the church’s food pantry program. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2855, served as the Financial Secretary and was honored with multiple Distinguished Service Awards, multiple “Knight of the Year” awards, the Lifetime Distinguished Service Awards and the Jules Daigle Service Award. He was especially proud to have received the papal honor of appointment as a Knight in the Pontifical Order of Pope St. Sylvester.

Of all his remarkable accomplishments, the greatest gifts were those he bestowed on his family. He was always willing to help those in need by offering a ride of his carpentry skills, sharing his abundant harvests from his fruit trees and always providing his support when needed. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, “uncle”, brother and friend. He taught us all the value of our faith and the responsibility of using our God given talents for good works. He valued the importance of a good education, hard work, and assisting others. Throughout his life, he continued to be curious, involved, and always challenged himself to learn new things as he grew older. He will be deeply missed by his children: Gene & Betty Salassi (Welsh, LA), Mary & Jim Scotter (North Little Rock, AR), and Charles Salassi (Lafayette, LA); his grandchildren, Kate and John Salassi, Michelle Scotter, and Beth & John Holland; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

His funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Burial will be in the church Mausoleum. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Monday 3:30-9:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. til time of service. Monday evening a wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. and a rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Memorials in his honor may be made to OLSD Food Pantry Program in Welsh, LA. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com