Our beloved Edward “Fast Eddie” Byron Penrice passed away on the morning of Sunday January 16, 2022 at the age of 72. Eddie was born on August 16, 1949 in Kansas City, Kansas to his loving mother, Bettie Jean Baker-Penrice and was raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Holy Name Catholic School through eighth grade and was an altar boy at Holy Name Church. He graduated in 1967 from De La Salle High School in Kansas City, MO, where he excelled academically and was at the top of his class. During his high school years, Eddie was a passionate athlete who played third base for the Pirates and point guard for De La Salle basketball team. He continued his education at the University of Missouri in Kansas City and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1968.

During his college years, Eddie was among the first African American supervisors at First National Bank where he hired others from his community. Eddie was also an accomplished musician. He played guitar and bass with his group Positive Force, a popular band around town. He was a deejay at KPRS 103.3 FM known as “Fast Eddie” in the early 70s.

“I love production…any kind, any day, almost anywhere.” Eddie would say regarding the industry he was passionate about. Eddie’s work was stellar because of his personal philosophy. “The Six P’s: Piss Poor Planning Prevents Perfect Performance.” Eddie was a well-known producer locally and nationally. He provided sound for events at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the American Jazz Museum and for the Enshriners, a group of businessmen who sponsor events in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the owner of EBP Productions in KCMO, as well as Vice President of Diversified Entertainment group based in Akron, OH.

Eddie was one of the architects of the 18th and Vine Jazz Festival in its HEYDAY! Long before there was an American Jazz Museum, he worked alongside his uncle, Eddie Baker, founder of the Charlie Parker Memorial Foundation, to ensure Kansas City remembered its historic jazz roots.

Through his company EBP Production, he was instrumental in producing and booking top national artists such at Herbie Hancock, Slave, Morris Day and the Time, and many more. From 1995 - 2009, he was Audio Production Coordinator for the Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention, the annual summer convention of the Church of God In Christ, Inc. He also worked for the Kansas City Parks and Recreation as the Event Coordinator and retired in 2007 after twelve years of service.

Eddie was a seeker, a very spiritual man and explored various religious practices including Catholicism and Islam, and later joined the Church of God in Christ where he became a minister and also shared his talents and skills as a sound engineer at his first COGIC church home, Deliverance Temple in Kansas City, MO. Due to his impassioned recruitment and skilled training of many people, responsibilities were easily transferred following his declining health in 2011.

Eddie’s grandparents Neosha and William Baker, his mother, Bettie Jean Wellman, his step-father Lionel Russell Wellman, his adopted son, Nolon Christopher Goudeaux, various aunts, uncles, and cousins preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Luana M. Penrice, three brothers Lee Penrice (Laverne), Darryl Penrice, Paul Wiley and two sisters Angela Wellman (Ashara Ekundayo), and Lori Wellman (Julie Iverson); five grandchildren; Dacia McDonald-Willson (Carlos), Lamont Price-Goudeaux, Cierra Price (Dewayne Harris), Christin Tirrell Goudeaux (Jasmine), Conrad Terran Goudeaux (Amanda); ten great grandchildren; Cydnee Harris, Akira S. Willson, Gabriel L. Price Goudeaux, Dewayne Harris Jr, Dion Harris, Christian J. Goudeaux, Jaydon M. Goudeaux, Nolon T. Goudeaux, and Christina L. Goudeaux; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and associates.

Eddie was a man of God, a mentor, friend, sports enthusiast, music lover, an ambassador for Kansas City, family man, entrepreneur and businessman. One of his greatest talents was his ability to connect people. He had no airs about himself. He loved holding conversations with anybody and everybody. He loved his city. He loved his family. Eddie was fun, loyal, vibrant, charming, committed, enthusiastic, light and love! Eddie absence leaves a tremendous void. He will be missed by all.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 11:00am (Virtually) Private Disposition.  Visitation will be Friday, January 28, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Link for virtual service mstcsunset.com