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May 20, 1928 – May 13, 2024

NATCHEZ – Edward Duncan Eidt died peacefully at his home on May 13, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Duncan and Elizabeth Hicks Eidt, and by his younger brothers, David Eidt and Henry Eidt.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Junkin Bellan Eidt and by his sisters-in-law Sissy Eidt, Angela Bellan, Jo Ann Bellan and Edna Rose Bellan.  He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and special friend and caregiver, Alice Williams.

A lifelong Catholic, he served as a page to Bishop R.O. Gerow and as an altar boy.  Edward attended Catholic school through the eighth grade and graduated from Natchez High School.

He joined the U.S. Navy and served two years in the Pacific aboard the destroyer USS Allen M. Sumner.

After returning home he entered the University of Mississippi from which he earned a degree in business and finance.

He worked for a bottling company in Brookhaven for two years and later at Natchez Lumber and Supply. He then joined Charles Johnson at Concordia Contracting Company in Vidalia.

In 1964, Edward married Mary Junkin Bellan. They built a home in Vidalia where he became an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He served as a Trustee for the Harriss Endowment Fund and on the Parish Council.

Upon his retirement, he and Mary returned to his family home on South Rankin Street in Natchez and was hired by the Pilgrimage Garden Club to maintain Stanton Hall, Longwood, and Kings Tavern. After straight-line winds damaged St. Mary Basilica in 1998, he worked as a Construction Supervisor with Father Al Camp to renovate the interior and exterior of the Basilica.

In good health, he enjoyed his last year before his illness.

Pallbearers will be Wray Eidt, Michael Eidt, David Eidt, Ken Hicks, John Junkin, Jim Ferguson, John Taylor, Michael Murphy, Ralph Shields and Bryant Reed.  Honorary Pallbearers are Johnny Hicks, Mac Hazlip, Claiborne Hollis and Marion Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at St Mary Basilica with Father Aaron Williams presiding. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to St Mary Basilica, 613 Main Street, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.