Funeral arrangements have been announced for Jules Edwards III, a longtime Lafayette judge who died Wednesday at the age of 66.
Visitation will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on 12th Street in Lafayette. A rosary will be said at 9 a.m. and a funeral service will follow at noon at the same location.
Edwards will be buried at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery & Mausoleum, according to Syrie Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements.
Edwards, a Lafayette City Court judge, was found unresponsive Tuesday and is believed to have died of natural causes.
Many in the community have paid public tribute to Edwards after learning of his death.
He was remembered for always keeping his composure in the courtroom, never raising his voice to attorneys or defendants. He often appeared humble and approachable in the community where he served as an advocate, but his intelligence and preparedness were always apparent on the bench.
"The passing of Judge Edwards this past evening closes a chapter written by a remarkable person, whose life and career were dedicated to his family, his faith, his profession and most preciously his country and community," said City Court Judge Douglas Saloom in a statement. "His passing leaves us, his friends, staff and colleagues, with a challenge to carry forward those principles he so passionately shared with all he touched."
Edwards, who served as a state district court judge for 27 years, more recently served as a city court judge. The Louisiana Supreme Court will appoint a judge to fill Edwards' seat until a special election can be held.