Obituary of Raymond Joseph Provost

Raymond Joseph Provost, 98, died Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Parker, Colorado. He leaves behind his two daughters, Mary Louise Provost of Parker, Colorado and Janice Anne O’Brien and her husband Joseph O’Brien of Columbia Falls, Montana; six granddaughters; 18 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He is predeceased by his wife of almost 57 years, Christine (Worthy) Provost, his brothers, Nolace and Jerome, and sisters, Audrey, Gloria and Joyce. Born in Detroit, Michigan to Nolace and Edith Provost on July 9, 1918, he was the oldest of 6 children. In his early years, Mr. Provost shared a paper route with his brother, played drums and worked as a soda jerk in a drug store. After graduating from St. Leo’s High School, he worked at the Boy Scout office in Detroit, Michigan where he was a supply clerk. There Mr. Provost met his wife Christine Worthy. Shortly after, he enlisted in the US Army, where he served his country in both World War II and the Korean War, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1960 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. While enlisted in the Army, he was stationed in Hawaii, Japan, and Iceland, Washington DC, and Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland in conjunction with the University of Arizona, a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Arizona State University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Northern Arizona University. He taught social studies and English at Prescott Junior High and then went on to act as Vice Principal at Prescott High School in Prescott, Arizona until he retired in 1983. Mr. Provost and his wife relocated to Parker, Colorado in 1986. Mr. Provost had a passion for service, not only demonstrated by his military career, but also through his interests and hobbies. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Trinity Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland and Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker, Colorado where he served as Grand Knight and Financial Secretary. Recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., both at Ave Maria Catholic Parish, 9056 E. Parker Road in Parker. A Reception at the Church will follow the Service. A private burial with full military honors will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge. Service Information