Ervin Lee Reed, a 74-year-old man known for his warm personality and love for the outdoors, was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Born on November 14, 1951, to Avab and Marie Ashford Reed, Ervin spent his life in the communities of Eunice and Basile, Louisiana. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his motorcycle. His friends and family remember his passion for cooking and his ability to make friends easily.
Ervin was a cherished patriarch, leaving behind a large and loving family who looked up to him.
He was the father of five children: Michael Reed, Jaime Reed, Simon Reed, Taylor Reed, and Crystal Reed Echols of Basile, and Tiffany Reed Eschete of Houma. His legacy continued through his 14 grandchildren—Nathaniel, Abbigail, Bailey, Kelsey, Gavin, Mason, Kristen, Kali, Zane, Landon, Wesli, Aubri, Koltyn, and Kohen—and five great-grandchildren, Vivian, Kenneth, Owen, Olivier, and Carson. Throughout his life, Ervin had been widowed twice, having been preceded in death by his first wife, Deborah Reed, and his second wife, Janell Reed.
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Ervin Lee Reed’s life was tragically cut short in Eunice. He and a woman named Anita Andrus both died from gunshot wounds in the same incident. Investigators with the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and began an inquiry into the two deaths.
Based on their initial investigation, detectives announced that they suspected the event was a murder-suicide. It is believed that Ms. Andrus, 67, shot Mr. Reed before turning the gun on herself. Authorities did not release further details about the specific location of the shooting, what may have led to the violence, or the nature of the relationship between Reed and Andrus. As the primary suspect in Reed's death was also deceased, the case was considered closed by investigators.
Anita Andrus was a dedicated homemaker who was born in Iota, Louisiana. Remembered for her love of cooking, dancing, and music, her home in Eunice was often a welcoming place for family gatherings. She was a mother to two daughters and a grandmother and great-grandmother. According to her wishes, no public services were held.
In the days following Ervin Reed's death, his family came together to honor his memory. Visitations were held on October 16 and 17 at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Basile, where a rosary was prayed. A funeral Mass took place at St. Augustine Church in Basile on Saturday, October 17, followed by his burial in the St. Augustine Cemetery. The services were a testament to the large, close-knit family he had built and the many friends he had made throughout his long and active life. As of October 2026, the investigation by the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office was concluded.
