Edward “Eddie” Joseph Provost, 87, peacefully left his earthly confines on August 8, 2026. A lifelong resident of New Iberia, Eddie led a life well-lived as a loving husband, devoted family member, trusted friend, an accomplished radio broadcaster, and influential civic community contributor.
Eddie was born on March 26, 1939, to Loadice Joseph Provost Sr. and Aline Doty Provost. He overcame polio at age 5, and while the illness physically affected him the rest of his life, that did not stop him from attaining his many personal, educational and business achievements.
Eddie graduate from Catholic High School in 1958 and attended University of Southern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette), receiving a BA in history in 1964. While attending college, he worked part-time as a radio DJ, which launched his 40-year radio broadcasting career. He initially worked as a DJ, then a news director and finally in sales and management at the KXKC station in New Iberia through its evolution from KANE, to KNIR, to KDEA to KXKC, before retiring in 2004.
At the time, he was recognized by national news agencies for such notable coverages as the Belle Isle Salt Mine Disaster in 1968, the integration of the Iberia Parish School System, and an editorial campaign that paved the way for the passage of Iberia Parish School System taxes, designed to fund the educational system, that had failed to pass in previous elections.
Eddie’s entry into civic life was by way of the New Iberia Jaycees. He held a number of organizational positions, from board member to president. He was awarded the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1973. Additionally, he held multiple board positions with the United Givers Fund, eventually becoming president and drive chairman. He was instrumental in developing an organizational plan that helped United Givers Fund consistently achieve its funding goals from year to year. Eddie also participated in the New Iberia Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s as a board member and served on several committees.
In the early 1980s, Eddie joined with the director of the Acadiana Mental Health Center to form a non-profit called the Acadiana Community Help Center. The organization assisted individuals living with a mental health condition find suitable living spaces and provide lifestyle guidance. As a result of this effort, Eddie became a lifelong supporter of social causes, giving charitably to such organizations as Faith House and Covenant House.
Eddie married Kathleen Murphey, of Hazelhurst, MS, in 1980 and for over 40 years they shared a loving life filled with cats, family gatherings, and trips to New Orleans, until Kathleen’s passing in 2023. The couple was active in the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.
Eddie had been a resident of New Iberia Manor South since 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and siblings: Shirley Blackburn, Loadice Provost Jr., Joseph Provost, Willie Provost, Frederick Provost, and Sheila Pollock.
Eddie had a kind heart and a zest for life, and was always up for a good laugh and a fine glass of champagne. He was always there to give counsel when needed. He loved cats, loved sharing good stories, and loved creating new experiences with family and friends. His accomplishments in the face of lifelong physical adversity are to be admired. To have known Eddie is to have known an extraordinary human who made an indelible mark in his corner of the world. He will be terribly missed.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Evangeline Funeral Home with Fr. Matt Woollett officiating. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Beau Pre Mausoleum.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Evangeline Funeral Home from 11:00 am until time of the service. The Men's Rosary Group will lead the recitation of the Rosary at 11:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charitable organizations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Covenant House of New Orleans, Faith House of Acadiana, and Angel Paws Adoption Center.
Relatives and friends are invited to share condolences and memories with the family by visiting Eddie’s memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
