Edward J. Clasen

Edward Joseph Clasen, age 91, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 11, 2018. He was born in New Orleans on December 21, 1926 to the late Otto Henry Clasen and Blanche Foley Clasen. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred and Richie, and his sisters, Edna Mae, Gladys, and Ruthie. Edward is also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Virgie Barone Clasen, who passed away on March 7, 2007. They were married on April 12, 1953. Edward and Virgie enjoyed their lives together. They were able to visit Egypt, Turkey, England, and France. His memories of their trips kept Edward happy. He was constantly saying he had a good life and a good wife.
On November 25, 1944, Edward joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. His daddy had to sign for him since he wouldn't be 18 until December. He was honorably discharged on June 14, 1946 and received a Victory Ribbon, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 star), and a Asiatic-Pacific (1 star) for conducting himself in a praiseworthy manner while sweeping enemy mines in the face of fire from enemy shore installations while serving on the USS YMS-73 wooden mine sweeper as a Gunner Mate, Third Class. His years in the military were very exciting and he never stopped talking about those days and his shipmates. Once, when they shot a mine and it exploded, some shrapnel lodged in his back. He always talked about how great the cook on the ship was, Abe, who fed them steaks. He was so proud to have served his country and that he was a WWII Veteran. He was able to visit the WWII Museum twice and wore his hat proudly. Edward received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy stating that he served in the greatest Navy in the world. It crushed two enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrender only four months apart.
Edward is survived by his sisters-in-law, Sonta Barone Jones (Patrick) and Marilyn Pohlmann Clasen; his nephew, Ricky Clasen; his nephew, David Trenton Jones (Jan) and their daughters, Delaney and Isabella; his niece, Courtney Jones Holloway (John) and their sons: Seth, Julian, Clasen, Liam, and Ezra; other relatives: Richard Clasen (Cara), Glenda Pumilla Drake (Walter), Patrick Comiskey Jr. (Adrienne); and many other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank his caregivers: Sharon, Demetrice, Rochell, and Louie; his loving neighbors, the Fountain family; and his home health nurse, Pat, from Amedisys Health Care.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Hickory Knoll Church of Christ, 2201 Hickory Ave. in Harahan, LA on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until service time. Interment will be in St. Patrick #1 Cemetery in New Orleans, LA.

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