The shooting sports community has lost a dedicated supporter, businessman and mentor with the passing of Edward Allison “Ed” Simon, who died on July 3, 2026, at the age of 72.
A lifelong resident of Kaplan, Louisiana, Ed devoted nearly three decades to Liberty Rice Mill before pursuing his passion for the outdoors by founding Ed’s Sporting Goods and Ed’s Sporting Clays, hosting several NSCA shoots each year. Through those businesses, he became a familiar face to countless hunters, recreational shooters and competitive athletes throughout south Louisiana.
Ed was especially committed to encouraging the next generation of shooters. He built lasting relationships with local customers and was a strong supporter of youth shooting sports, welcoming 4-H Shooting Sports participants and members of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette shooting team. He took great pride in hearing about their successes on the sporting clays course and in the field, always offering encouragement and sharing in their accomplishments.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Ed enjoyed introducing others, especially his children and grandchildren, to the outdoors and passing along his knowledge and enthusiasm for hunting and shooting.
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to youth shooting sports, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Lafayette 4-H Foundation Shooting Sports Program in Ed’s memory.
The National Sporting Clays Association extends its sincere condolences to Ed’s wife, Janice, his children and grandchildren, and all who knew him. His dedication to the shooting sports community and his support of generations of shooters will be remembered for years to come.
