With heavy hearts we report the passing of 54 year life member Ed Louer who could be found at OGCA meetings at H-21. Ed sponsored many other members and was always looking for ways to help the association. The following memoriam, originally printed in the Rampant Colt, says it best:
On March 6, 2024, our dear friend, Edwin (Ed) Louer died at his home in at his home, in Williamsport, Ohio. With his passing, the firearms collecting fraternity lost a colossal collector of weapons.
Ed was a cowboy at heart. He loved his farm, his horses, shooting his firearms, and most of all his family and friends. As a young man he worked on ranches, where he became that cowboy. He participated for many years in team roping on the rodeo circuit, where he usually brought home the ‘bacon’.
Ed’s love of the open range and the frontier was an inspiration for his collecting of firearms and accoutrements. He collected firearms made over four centuries, with all types of ignition systems and by many makers. Regardless of the century in which a collectible was made, Ed loved the history associated with each weapon or accoutrement. Holding a collectible, in his hands, guided his mind to a related time or place, just as if he was there.
Ed’s life was centered around firearm gatherings that took him across America. For more than 60 years, he attended firearm shows just to be with his many friends, fellow collectors, or to just see another treasure.
Ed was perhaps at his best when he was reading the intent of a buyer or seller. He used that talent to his advantage and knew just when was the right time to ‘pull the trigger’ on a deal.
Ed’s passing leaves a void in the firearms collecting arena. He will be missed and his extensive knowledge of the history of individual firearms, that he so willingly shared, is gone forever!
His family and friends will cherish the memories each shared with a kind, honorable, friendly, and smart man.
We all say ‘GOODBYE’ to a great friend!
– Margie and Gordon Barlow