Bryon Elliott "Ed" Roson, 82, was born on September 10, 1943, in Grant, Oklahoma, the son of Charles Morris "Charlie" Roson and Doretha Louise (Moore) Roson. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tony Rivers; wife, Mary Virginia (Melton) Roson; brothers, Charles Roson, Larry Roson and Kenneth Roson; sisters, Hazel Cline, Jane Ingram and Virginia Jamerson; and brother in law, John Ward.

Ed was a life long resident of  McCurtain County. At a young age, he joined the United States Army and was a proud Vietnam veteran. After being honorably discharged from the army, he returned to McCurtain county and began his career at Weyerhaeuser. He worked there for over 30 years as a millwright and made many life long friendships throughout his career. Ed later married his loving wife, Mary in January of 1987 in DeQueen, Arkansas, and they made their home in Valiant.

Beyond his professional career, Ed enjoyed spending time outdoors and working with his hands. Hunting, running trot lines, carpentry and grilling, were just a few of his many hobbies. He took pride in preparing good food for family and friends. Ed was the official deer camp chef, where his cooking and company added to the fellowship and enjoyment of every gathering. He was also known as a "professional shade tree finder", a running joke among his family and friends. Ed knew how to find a good place to sit, rest, enjoy the moment, and in his own words "watch the the world go by".

Ed was the kind of person who never met a stranger. He had a natural gift for conversation and connection, and he loved everyone he met with an open heart. Above all else, Ed's love for his family and friends was evident to all who knew him. His life was a reflection of the values he held dear, and those values will continue to be honored in the memories of his friends and loved ones.

Ed is survived by his loving family; daughters, Kristy Rodgers and husband, Chris of Idabel, OK, Adennia Rivers of Bossier City, LA, Angela Cooper of Forney, TX and Alisha Rivers of Idabel, OK; grandchildren, Tayler Roson, Christina Smith, Nate Parnell, Faith Brantley, Riley Rivers, Dewayne Osterdock, Whitney Rivers, Starr Brantley, Cody Rivers and David Rosson; numerous great grandchildren; brother, Donnie Roson; sister, Linda Ward and husband, John; special friend and mother of his daughter, Debbie Parker; sister in law, Louise Roson; along with a host of others family, friends and loved ones.