Born at home in Shreveport, Edwin attended Centenary College, where he took the Civilian Pilot Training course. After two years in college he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for flight training, and remained in the United States throughout the war. He left active duty in January of 1946, but continued flying in the reserves. He completed a bachelor's degree at Centenary College on the GI Bill in 1948. He worked at Commercial Bank where he retired as senior vice-president of public relations and advertising at Commercial Bank.