John "Big John" Delbert Eidson passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Slidell Memorial Hospital with his daughter at his bedside following a brief illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everette John (1974) and Cora Belle Butts Eidson (2022); three siblings: Joseph Lee (1950), Jackie Eidson Reynolds (1991), and Ouida Joyce Eidson (2017), and his loving wife Brenda Joyce Stokes (2013).

He leaves behind his grieving daughter, Lisa Ross Eidson, his grand dogs Faith and Bella, as well as two sisters: Jimmie Eidson and Linda Eidson Chase.  John is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Barbara Stokes Pierce (Roland-1998) and Donna Kay Stokes Byars (Donald Green), as well as a host of nieces and nephews that he adored.

John was born in Webster County Mississippi and graduated from S. D. Lee High School in Columbus, Mississippi, in 1960.  John attended Mississippi State University for one year and enrolled in the Army.  After serving, John began working for Shell Offshore Incorporated where he made life-long friends and enjoyed his career from March 27, 1962, to 1998.

John was a devoted husband, caring for his loving wife in her last years, and an amazing father. In retirement, John managed JES Tackle for his dear friend until 2024.  During his lifetime, John was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sports fan, (mainly the SEC).  As he and one of his closest friends told each other in his last days, "I'd gladly hang another rebel for you" (John's favorite team was Ole Miss) and "I'd gladly shoot another tiger" (LSU was his friend's favorite).

When asked what he'd like to say in his obituary, John replied, "ADIOS."

Please join the family in celebrating John's life with a visitation and repast at Honaker Funeral Home in Slidell on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 9:00am until 12:00pm.  John's favorite meal, tacos, and chips and salsa will be served along with his favorite drink, iced tea.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local food bank or animal shelter, as John loved helping others.