NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards ordered flags at all public buildings to be flown at half-staff until sunset Friday to honor Tom Benson.
A private funeral will be held Friday at St. Louis Cathedral for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner. The funeral starts a 12 p.m. for invited guests only due to space restrictions.
The sports teams announced 12 pallbearers for the funeral. The list includes: Pelicans Center Anthony Davis, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Saints head coach Sean Payton and administrator Jay Romig. Those four will stand behind the casket. Carrying the casket will be Saints President Dennis Lauscha, General Manager Mickey Loomis, VP of Communications Greg Bensel, Gayle's brother Wayne LeJaunie, auto executive Rick Hood, Saints VP of Sales Mike Stanfield, executive Ben Hales and CFO Ed Lang.
“We lost one of our great ambassadors, but his mark will be left on New Orleans and the rest of our state for generations,” said Gov. Edwards. “As we walk through the streets of New Orleans, we’ll think of Tom Benson. As we cheer on the Saints and the Pelicans, we’ll think of Tom Benson. Donna and I pray for his wife, Gayle, and his family during this difficult time.”