Edward Norman Genest

After graduating from high school in Michigan, Ed joined the Navy and served for 6 years. In the Navy, he me the love of his life, Bonnie. They were married on Feb 18, 1955 and spent almost 70 beautiful years together before she passed away in 2023.

Ed was a natural people person who excelled in a long and successful career in sales. This gave him the opportunity to travel the country and meet a lot of new people. He of course, had Bonnie join him on these adventures as their children got older.

Ed is fondly remembered by his family and friends for his great work ethic and strong personality. When he wasn't at work, Ed enjoyed swimming, playing pool, and being the "Grill King." He loved hosting and grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and steaks while the neighborhood kids swam in the pool. Family and friends gathered frequently at his home for holidays and special occasions.

Ed lived larger than life and always had a good story to tell.

As a child, Ed was raised Catholic. However, he and Bonnie decided to raise their own children as Baptist. He became an avid member in the Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland, AL and their Men's Sunday school classes. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong sense of faith and loyalty to the Church.

Ed is predeceased by his father, Joseph Genest, and mother, Elle Oclair Leach (Dan), his loving wife, Bonnie Bryant Genest, siblings, Buddy and Dolly, his daughter, Sandra Rollo, and his son, Edward Norman Genest Jr.

Ed leaves behind his daughter, Pamela Genest Miller, his beloved and special granddaughter Christina Rollo (Lynn), additional grandchildren, Brandon Miller (Nicole) and their 2 children Mia and Brody, Sarah Mattson and her children Ian and Elise, Jessica Rollo (Blair Weeks) and their daughter Krislyn Presley, Amanda Waller and her children, Nevaeh, Isaiah, Katelyn Castro (Milt) and their children Noah, Elijah, and Gabriel, Shannon Beaudry and her son Mikey, and niece, Lisa Cooner (Bobby) and best friends, Ron and Don Wiess, and many other family members and friends.

There will be Celebration of Life for Ed on Monday, July 13, 2026 @ 1pm at Alabama Veterans' Memorial Cemetery - 34904 Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 with Military Honors. There will be a reception immediately after the cemetery at the Saraland Civic Center - 716 Mae Street Saraland, AL 36571 from 2:30pm - 4:30pm. Friends and family are encouraged to attend and share their stories about Ed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest making a donation to your favorite charity in his honor. The Genest and Rollo Families would also like to thank Nicole with ACG hospice for her kindness and special care.