Ernest Joseph Dragon, III

On August 14, 2025, Ernest Joseph Dragon III, better known as “Buster,” died from a brain injury after a fall. He was 70 years old. Buster was born in New Orleans and was proud to have grown up in the Irish Channel. He was one of 5 children of Doris Borrows Millaudon and the step-father who raised them, Frederic Millaudon. Two of Buster’s siblings preceded him in death – Cheryl Cassreino (Victor, deceased) and Timothy Dragon (Donna). His surviving siblings are Terrie Galle (Carl) and Kenneth Dragon (Donna, deceased).

In his younger years, Buster worked in construction, then later in restaurants: Joey-K’s on Magazine St. and Tally-Ho (ain’t dere no more). He also worked at Bevolo, and his last job was at the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor as a security guard. He retired from the Shrine just a month before his death.

It was at Joey-K’s Restaurant where Buster met his future wife, Anna Hero. To their great surprise, they would have a daughter, Andrea Hero Dragon (married to Steven Siciliano), whom Buster adored, and doted on, and he was completely wrapped around her little finger. He bragged about her to anyone who would listen.

Buster loved being with and talking to people. He would strike up conversations with anyone he made eye contact with. But Buster’s family and closest friends were most important to him. He liked to celebrate life with family, friends, and strangers, at many fine establishments around the city, and in backyards, lake camps, and fishing boats, having crawfish boils, barbecues, and watching the Saints. He laughed easily and often, sometimes to tears. And with his antics and quick sense of humor, he brought others to tears of laughter, too.

In addition to his friends and immediate family, “Uncle Buster" will be missed by a slew of nieces and nephews: Melissa Dragon, Timothy Dragon (Jen), Tiffany Steele, Victor Cassreino (Aimee), Shelley Stolf (Andrew), Emily and Madeline Hero, David Halle (Michelle), Samuel and Jacob Halle, Lily and Jack Jaffe. And great-nephews and nieces: Zavien Kellum, Ashlyne and Victor “Tre” Cassreino, KJ Steele, and Adeline Stolf.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until service time. A private interment will be held on a later date. To view and sign the guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com