Edward Clayton Maher Sr.

Edward (Eddie) Clayton Maher, Sr. was called home at the age of 88 years old on Monday, April 14, 2025. Eddie was born on January 13, 1937, in New Orleans, LA, where he resided until 1973 when he and his family moved to St. Bernard Parish. He lived in Meraux until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated St. Bernard Parish. He then resided in Iberville Parish (Plaquemine) until 2023, when he moved back to his beloved Parish of St. Bernard until his death. Edward joined the United States Navy in 1954 at the age of 16 years old and served in the Korean War aboard the USS Bennington (CV-20) as a gunner’s mate until 1957. He often spoke proudly of the time he served his country overseas while enlisted in the Navy. Upon his return, he worked for Keebler Cookie Company for 23 years as the Distribution Manager before retiring in 1990.

On January 8, 1958, he met the love of his life, Charlotte (Charlene) V. Bell, and they married on May 30, 1959. Edward and Charlotte had 3 children, Denise Maher Laurent (Rick), Melissa Maher Casenza (John Gaille), and Edward Maher, Jr. (Tonya). He is the proud grandfather of Richard, Jr. (Teresa) and Daniel Laurent (Sarah), Sarah Casenza (Kristen), Emily C. Henningsen (Reese, Sr.), and Makenzie and Tyler Maher. He is also Grand Paw Paw to 6 great grandchildren: Miles, Jackson, Olivia, and Audrey Laurent, and Reese and Wade Henningsen. Edward is preceded in death by his father, Frank Thomas Maher Sr., his mother, Josephine Brizzolari Maher, his wife, Charlotte (Charlene) Bell Maher, and his daughter, Denise Maher Laurent. Also preceded in death by his sister, Agnes Shows, and brothers Frank, Robert (Bob), Jerome, John, Michael (Mike), and Joseph (Joey) Maher. He is survived by his brother Dennis Maher, sisters-in-law Elaine (Mike), Janice (John) Maher, and too many nieces and nephews to count.

After Hurricane Katrina, Edward loved spending his time with Betty Showalter until her death in January 2025. Betty & Eddie, known all around St. Bernard, enjoyed their morning routine of having breakfast at Aaron’s Café & Donuts, driving around the parish, visiting the Chalmette Battlefield to watch the Natchez Riverboat arrive at 2:00 pm, and watching and counting the number of tourists getting off the boat. They also enjoyed riding through Val Reise Park to watch the children playing ball, driving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to people watch, and going to the casino. Most of all, they loved to go dancing wherever and whenever they could. Edward was known for his many jokes, magic, card tricks, and enjoyed playing pranks on the neighborhood children and moms, always keeping everyone entertained and laughing. Edward was also known as “POPS” to many of his daughter Melissa’s friends and Paw Paw to many of his granddaughter’s friends as well. Edward will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for him during the last week of his life at the VA Hospital in New Orleans. Each one of the doctors, nurses, and staff members went above and beyond to make sure he and his family were comfortable. A private burial at the VA National Cemetery in Slidell will be held at a later date.