Reggie, confidant of presidents and governors, dies

Former Crowley city judge and longtime Edwin Edwards confidant Edmund M. Reggie, 87, died Tuesday, three days before the 50th anniversary of President John Kennedy, who he introduced to Louisiana. Reggie's daughter later married JFK's younger brother Edward.
Reggie was closely associated with the Kennedy family beginning with a chance meeting with the future president John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy when Reggie was a delegate to the 1956 Democratic Convention. In 1960, Reggie co-chaired the Louisiana campaign effort for Kennedy’s successful presidential run.
Reggie and his wife, Doris Boustany Reggie, hosted the future president and his wife, Jackie, at their Crowley home, a visit that included the future Democratic nominee’s speech at the International Rice Festival. Reggie’s friendship with the family later extended to campaigns for Sens. Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy in their presidential campaigns.
Reggie’s daughter, Victoria, was married to Edward Kennedy from 1992 until his death in 2009.
Reggie never ran for higher office, but was politically involved for decades with presidents and governors.
He held a number of non-paying state posts over the years, including chairman of the Mineral Board and Commissioner of Public Welfare.
Reggie was Edwards' executive council and led the panel which consolidated state government's executive branch into 19 layers, as opposed to more than 300 previously.
He retired from the bench in 1976, after serving as judge for 25 years. He was appointed to the post at age 24, then re-elected until retirement.
Survivors includey his wife, six children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.