BY HOWELL DENNIS

NEWS EDITOR

CROWLEY - Marion Edwards, the younger brother of former Governor Edwin Edwards and a strong force behind his brother’s political victories, was laid to rest Tuesday here in his hometown of Crowley. The service was held at First Church of the Nazarene on West Northern Ave. Following his funeral service, Marion Edwards’ body was brought to Woodlawn Cemetery in a horse drawn buggy where he was laid to rest. Governor Edwards and his wife Trina followed close behind in a black SUV. Though he looked older than Edwin, who is still known for his dapper appearance, those who knew him say he shared his brother’s penchant for sharp wit and a personality that ‘drew people in’ according to a woman who attended the funeral but wished to remain anonymous. Crowley attorney Steve Stefanski, who delivered a touching eulogy, remembered Marion as a man who was very generous with his time. He was known around Louisiana for his philanthropy and his work with cancer patients. Marion was a cancer survivor but the cause of death for the 84-year-old was not released by his family. At Tuesday’s service, Father Byron Miller delivered the invocation and nephew Christopher Edwards delivered ‘A tribute to Marion Edwards’ that was both touching and humorous according to those who attended the service. Pallbearers for Edwards were Keith Danum Bryant, Brandon Ray Eastep, Jeremy Edward Eastep, Edwin Byrne Edwards, Nolan Gerald Edwards and Michael Stefanski.