Oct. 17, 1933 – Jan. 31, 2020

 

NATCHEZ– A Celebration of Life Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. today for Francis Joseph “Joe” Eidt Jr. at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. David O’Connor officiating.  

A private burial will follow the repast for family members at the Natchez City Cemetery, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time on today at the church.

Joe Eidt was born Oct. 17, 1933, in Huntsville, Alabama, the son of Francis “Frank” Joseph Eidt Sr. and Bessie Pauline “Polly” Hudson Eidt.

He was a 1951 graduate of Cathedral High School and attended Delta State University where he played football and basketball. Two of his most proud projects were his association with the founding of Cathedral Parish School Club, now known as the Cathedral Home-School Association, where he served as president, and his active roll with the Cathedral Athletic Association, now known as the “C” Club, a faithful supporter until the end.  During his career, Joe was an entrepreneur for various businesses: Windmill Music Company, Eipex and Minit Man convenience stores.  His robust personality and love for people led him into sales where he excelled working with various businesses until retirement. He was a gifted storyteller, writer and artist.  During retirement, he began painting again — creating many pieces of art; he was a participating artist with ArtsNatchez, and generously shared his paintings with businesses, friends and family members.

An avid sports fan of all types, especially Cathedral School and Delta State University, he loved golfing at Belwood Country Club and Duncan Park. Joe also enjoyed hunting and spending weekends at Proud Mary on Lake St. John where he could be seen motoring up and down the lake in his pontoon boat.

He was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children, Mary Frances Crawford Eidt; his brother-in-law, Henry Eidt and sister-in-law, Betty Lane Eidt; and special friend and former roommate, Fred Foster.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Foggo-Eidt; six children, JoJo Eidt and wife, Emily, Lea Ann Ray, Lisa Whitam and husband, Greg, Cheryl Rinehart and husband, Michael, Sonny Foggo and wife, Debbie, and John Foggo and wife, Shelia; special friends, Brad Fondren and Greg Fondren; four siblings, Jim Eidt and wife, Lucy, of Marks, Ann Poole and husband, Harvey, of Hattiesburg, Betty Lou Hicks and husband, Johnny, of Natchez, and Pat Eidt and wife, Beverly, of Norcross, Georgia; 15 grandchildren, Ben Eidt, Phillip Eidt and wife, Niki, Mary Catherine Ray and fiancé, Tommy Griffen, Clint Ray and Caroline Smitherman, Laura Whitam and fiancé, Austin Chauvin, Mary Catherine Moffett and Chris Authement, Michael Shull, Caroline Devereaux and husband, Matthew, Laura Jordan and husband, Nick, Sarah Foggo, Jay Foggo, Walker Foggo and Will Foggo, Palmer Rinehart and wife, Sally, and Anne Elise Manning and husband, Walker; 11 great-grandchildren, Emmett and Ruby Ray, CeCe Eidt, Blair Smith, Millie Moffett, Ann Frances Moffett, Hank Moffett, Stella Devereaux, Mary Tucker Devereaux, Ian Jordan and Collin Jordan; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins; and special friend, Bob M. Dearing.

The family extends its appreciation to the staff of Adams County Nursing Home, Compassus Hospice and St. Mary Basilica Ministry: Homebound Communion for the Sick members Rita Tibetts and Jacque Stahlman for all their care and attention.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Acre Day School, P.O. Box 1362, Natchez, MS 39121, Cathedral School or charity of choice.

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