Edgar Bland

Edgar Bland, 97, was born, May 25, 1919, and died on Monday, September 12, 2016. Visitation with the family will be held at Rose-Neath Southside, on Wednesday, September 14,2016 from 5-7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Forest Park West Cemetery with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel. Dr. Austin B. Tucker, son-in-law of Mr. Bland, will be officiating the service assisted by Dr. Murray Hodge and Chaplain Dana Casey. Edgar was a life-long resident of Shreveport, Louisiana and long -time member of Summer Grove Baptist Church. He faithfully served his Lord throughout his many years beginning at Ingleside Baptist Church were he served as a deacon and the Sunday School Director. He continued his service in Ford Park Baptist, Western Hills Baptist, and Willow Point Baptist. After attending Centenary College, where he played the saxophone in the Marching Band, Mr. Bland began running the family business, Jewella Garage on Greenwood Road. The business was as old as the Model T and the first automobiles in Shreveport. Mr. Bland was also a Notary Public for many years. He loved meeting and serving his clients in Caddo Parish. Together, the Blands were very active in the community. They led the Fair Park High School Alumni Association for all graduates of the 1930's for many years. They logged many miles as members of the Pelican Travelers Motor Home Club, making life-long friends including Jane and Soc Lorant, Doll and the late Barney Moore and many others. He was a member and officer of the Caddo Sheriff's Mounted Patrol serving four consecutive sheriffs. For the last several years, Edgar has enjoyed the fellowship of the Men's Prayer Breakfast at Mangum Methodist Church every Saturday morning. In January 2013 with his lifetime companion Mary Emma, the Blands moved to their retirement home, The Oaks of Louisiana. Before her death in 2014, they enjoyed the community of many friends, old and new. Mr. Bland was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Ora Mae Bland, his wife of 77 years, Mary Emma Heiser Bland and his grandson, Richard Nallin. Left to cherish his memory, are his two daughters, Beverly Tucker and husband, Austin, and Janis Nallin and husband, Jim, and his only brother, Harold Bland. He is also, survived by his grandchildren, David Tucker, Christie Deyo and Brian Nallin. He enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren, Chase, Erin and Allie Deyo and Aaron, Cole and Shelby Nallin. The family is very grateful to Dr. Robert Savory, Tangela, Ms. Lucie and Chaplain Casey of Willis-Knighton Hospice for their wonderful care and support during this time. The family would also like to thank the staff and many residents of The Oaks for their service and friendship for the past 3 years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, Chapel Fund at The Oaks of Louisiana or a charity of your choice.