Edwin T Salvant Jr.

He was born October 17,1932 in New Orleans to parents, Edwin T Salvant and Mary Alwell Salvant where he grew and thrived under the loving guidance of his parents and grandparents. He was the third of six children, Claire, John, Robert, Edwina, and Violet. His childhood consisted of playing with his siblings as well as numerous cousins, riding the streetcar to visit relatives with younger siblings and usually a live chicken to tend to on the way, setting crawfish traps with his Uncle Dutch, and learning to whistle like his beloved grandmother.

Ed loved school. He would open up the school each morning along with the janitor. Ed was also a whiz at Math and often would be ask by the teacher to take over explaining concepts to the class. He excelled in his studies and after serving in the US Air Force as a radar electronics instructor and counselor went on to graduate with honors from LSU with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. This earned him a top recruiting position at Esso (now Exxon) Refinery where he worked for four years.

Ed followed his calling into the ministry in 1961 and attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. During this time, he touched many people through student study groups, recruiting missions and an opportunity to go behind the scenes with Billy Graham. Upon his graduation, he answered the call to Hitchcock Presbyterian Church TX as well as serving as pastor at the West Isle Chapel on Galveston Island.

In 1966, Ed was asked to come back to Austin and serve as pastor at Wilshire Presbyterian Church where he stayed for the next 28 years. The church as well as Austin itself offered Ed many opportunities to spread his special brand of love and excitement for the Lord. One of his endeavors that was close to his heart was launching Ecumena House which included pastors and priests from the Austin area dedicated to helping displaced young women find security and safety.

He also served as moderator of Mission Presbytery for a year and interim Executive Presbyter for two years.

While doing all of these things, Ed never stopped learning. He acquired two more degrees; a Bachelor of Divinity which later changed to a Master of Divinity degree. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Seminary.

Ed never stopped. He planned and guided many people to countries around the globe, led the Christian & Crafts camp, (now called Art @ MO), at MoRanch several years, wrote countless studies on books of the Bible, wrote a guide of Ministry through Clowning, served as Chaplain of LBJ High School football team, and developed a Clown Ministry which emphasized the humor and love of God through mime.

His last years in the ministry were spent as Parish Associate at Hope Presbyterian Church in Austin where he met newcomers with an open heart, twinkling blue eyes, and a warm smile. He also continued to hold seminars and lead a clowning group called Harlequins of Hope in order to spread the gospel.

Ed’s favorite things were traveling with his wife, Joan, teasing his daughter and husband, hugging his grandkids and great-grandkids, and spreading God’s word. He will be remembered with fondness and true affection by all the people he touched.

"In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to made to....

*Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary,

*MoRanch Presbyterian Assembly

*Presbyterian Children's Home & Services,

*Hope Presbyterian Church, Austin

(Generation-to-Generation Fund)