ENROLLED
2017 Second Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 5
BY REPRESENTATIVE ARMES
A RESOLUTION
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Edward Lee "Ed" Gary.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana House of Representatives have learned of the death of Edward Lee "Ed" Gary on
Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the age of seventy-three; and
WHEREAS, Ed Gary was born in Jennings, Louisiana, on September 7, 1943, to
Avery Gary and Mary Gallier Gary and was a 1961 graduate of Jennings High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gary served his country with valor and distinction in the United
States Army from 1961 until 1964, when he received an honorable discharge; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gary was the commander of Disabled American Veterans,
Department of Louisiana, from 2009 until 2010, and from 2014 until the time of his death,
he served as the adjutant of the organization; he worked tirelessly on behalf of those who
have served this country, spent a great deal of time helping and visiting the residents of the
Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, and was steadfast in his efforts towards
the building of a veterans' cemetery for those in the area; and
WHEREAS, a gifted rhythm guitar player, Mr. Gary was voted Male Vocalist of the
Year by the Cajun French Music Association in 2001, was the leader of Ed Gary and the
Louisiana Cajun Aces, and was inducted into the Cajun Music Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gary was also a member and leader of Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 3244 and Post 3619, American Legion Post 10, and the Cajun French Music
Association of Lake Charles; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Gary; his children,
Rhonda Gary, Charlotte Thibodeaux, and Timothy Gary; his brother, Michael James Gary;
eleven grandchildren, Kendall Gary, Marina Hebert, Fallynn Gary, Nicole Reed, Kyle
Gaspard, Mallory Thibodeaux, Ty Gary, Lonna Gary, Kyle Guillory, Alex Guillory, and
Brittney Guillory; and nine great-grandchildren, Harley Crain, Konnor Hebert, Maverick
Hebert, Sadie Reed, Brennah Norrad, Sofia Gary, Fanciee Gary, Charlie Vidrine, and
Maddox Ceasar, with one more on the way; he was preceded in death by his parents, Avery
and Mary Gary; his brother, Milton Gary; his sisters, Margaret and Mildred Gary; his
mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gaston and Helen Smith; and his brother-in-law, Gaston
Aaron Smith; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Ed Gary, Louisiana has lost one of her finest citizens,
and his family, friends, and fellow veterans will deeply miss and never forget this wonderful
American; and
WHEREAS, although the death of Mr. Gary has left a tremendous void in his
community, the memory of this special gentleman and his extraordinary talents shall live
forever in the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
death of Edward Lee "Ed" Gary and does hereby extend appreciation for the singular
contributions of this unique individual whose memory will forever remain a source of great
honor and pride for his family, friends, and community, the state of Louisiana, and the
United States of America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Edward Lee "Ed" Gary.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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