Edward H. Martin Jr.

July 22, 1936 – July 10, 2026

Edward Henry Martin, Jr. was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, on July 22, 1936, and died on July 10, 2026, at The Cottage of Bossier City in Bossier City, Louisiana, at the age of 89, after a long, adventurous, and blessed life.

Ed grew up in Massachusetts, where he was a devoted son, grandson, brother, and nephew. He loved the outdoors and spent many days hunting and fishing around Mount Tom in the Connecticut River Valley. After graduating from St. Michael’s High School in Northampton in 1954, he joined the U.S. Navy. During his 20-year military career, Ed traveled the world aboard both submarine and assault craft units, primarily in the Mediterranean, serving as a Master Chef, cook, baker, and meat cutter. He later transitioned into a Naval Recruiter role in Bossier City, Louisiana. Ed ended his military career as a Chief Petty Officer rank of E-7 after receiving numerous medals, awards and commendations.

Ed often said he became a Southern convert after spending time with his wife’s Cajun family in south Louisiana. He embraced the region’s love of the outdoors and frequently hunted, fished, and perfected his own Cajun and Creole dishes. After retiring from the Navy, Ed began a second 20-year career as a meat and poultry inspector for the USDA, working in several small processing plants in northwest Louisiana. He later moved his family to Natchitoches, where he continued his inspection work at the local poultry plant.

Ed and his wife eventually returned to the Bossier City area, where he worked as a driver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and later operated a traveling gift shop, La Teche, named for the bayou in Franklin, Louisiana, where his wife Lelia was from. Ed built many of the displays used in their booth and traveling shows. His creativity—first honed as a Navy baker decorating cakes for every family celebration—continued through crafting themed wreaths and helping his wife design beautiful displays of India brass, Yankee Candles, Polish crystal, and Lefton China collectibles.

After losing his wife of 52 years to cancer, Ed became active in the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus, helping stock the food pantry and assisting with fundraising efforts at the weekly bingo sessions once held on East Texas Street in Bossier City. Though he eventually retired fully due to health concerns, he remained a constant source of love, encouragement, and treats—gummi bears, Tootsie Rolls, honey buns, fruitcake, brown bread, and jars of sauerkraut—for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his brother, Robert Martin of Easthampton, Massachusetts; his children, Anne (Mark) Swan, Susan Holland, Ed (Kristi) Martin, and Patricia Boone; his grandchildren, Kenneth (Jessica) Tubbs, Sarah (Russ) Aycock, Joseph Bradford, Brandi (Drake) Harrington, Hunter Martin, and Brock Boone; and his great-grandchildren, Sara Grace Tubbs, Allie Tubbs, Miller Aycock, Wade Aycock, Sally Aycock, Joshua Bradford, Lelia Bradford, Aubrey Lily, Charleigh Farr, Hudson Harrington, Hendrix Harrington, Hayes Harrington, Braylee Martin, Michael Martin, and Lillie Martin.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lelia “Pookie” Dupre Martin; his grandson, Joshua Bradford; his father, Edward Martin; and his mother, Anne Szary Martin.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Tubbs, Russ Aycock, Miller Aycock, Hunter Martin, Hudson Harrington, and Brock Boone. Honorary Pallbearer is Joshua Bradford. The Rosary will be led by Brandi Harrington, and altar servers for the funeral Mass will be Hendrix and Hayes Harrington.

Services for Edward Henry Martin, Jr. will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Road, Benton, Louisiana. Services will include visitation, Rosary, and Catholic Mass, followed by a graveside service at Hill Crest Mausoleum, 601 US Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana.

The family would like to thank the loving individuals who cared for Ed in his final months at The Columns and Cottage of Bossier City, Cypress Point Nursing and Rehab, and Willis-Knighton Bossier.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church.