Thomas Franklin Pogue

Thomas was a beloved husband, father and grandfather who had an accomplished career at the University of Iowa as a professor of Economics. He graduated from Clovis High School in Clovis, NM and began his higher education by earning a BA from New Mexico State University and participating in Air Force ROTC. After serving our country overseas in the Air Force, Thomas returned and enrolled at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Masters degree in Economics. It was at Oklahoma State where he met his wife Colette and shortly after their graduations and marriage they moved to New Haven, CT, where Thomas began graduate studies in Economics at Yale University. He ultimately received a PhD in Economics from Yale University. Thomas and Colette moved to Iowa City, IA in 1965 as Thomas began his career as a professor of Economics at the University of Iowa. He focused his research and writings on public finance topics, eventually publishing a best-selling textbook on the subject. Thomas and Colette raised their family in Iowa City and in addition to his work as a professor, Thomas was an active tennis player and runner throughout his life. Thomas was also a visiting professor at Texas Tech University and the University of Adelaide in Australia. In between Iowa and California, Thomas and Colette lived in Santa Fe, NM for over 15 years, where Thomas continued to consult on state financing issues and enjoyed exploring the state and traveling with his wife Colette.

Thomas is survived by a sister Carolyn Hutchinson, son and daughter-in-law Michael and Jan Pogue, son Robert Pogue, and ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Colette Pogue, a brother Charles Pogue and one granddaughter.

A memorial mass for Thomas will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Hermosa Beach, located at 244 Prospect Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Following the service, a reception will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Sonesta Hotel, 300 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Salvation Army is suggested.