Thomas William Walsh Jr.

Thomas William Walsh, Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at his home in Magnolia, Texas. “Tom” was born on September 22, 1942, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louise Cook Walsh and two daughters, Laurie Walsh Payne of Plano, Texas, and Kendall Walsh of Houston, Texas, and grandchildren, Leland and Mackenzie Payne; Jon Dewey, Faith and Grace Raborn; Riley and Thomas W. Walsh V; and great grandson, Wayne Raborn.

He is predeceased by his son, Thomas William (Will) Walsh IV of Houston, Texas, and his parents, Laura Raworth and Thomas William Walsh, Sr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Tom graduated from Baton Rouge High School and Louisiana State University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and received a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Masters of Business Administration. He began his career as a Sales Representative for National Supply of Armco Steel where he worked throughout southern Louisiana and Missouri. After graduate school he returned to Houston as a Regional Credit Representative for Armco. He left Armco in 1977 to work as a Comptroller for Power Enterprises in New Orleans, Director of Treasury at Texas International Airlines, and then Vice President of Finance at Jo-way Tool Company both in Houston.

During the 1980s oil and gas slump, Tom made the decision to change careers and became an Administrator for Kemp, Smith, Duncan and Hammond, one of the largest law firms in the southwest US located in El Paso, Texas. There he began his long journey as an Administrator with other law firms in Houston, including Mayor, Day, Caldwell and Keaton; Woodard, Hall and Prim; and Fleming & Associates where he was the Chief Financial Officer. He was also a licensed realtor for Century 21 Real Estate and a broker of an EXIT Realty franchise. He retired in 2010 to manage his family’s rental properties in Baton Rouge and Houston.

Tom was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed both pursuits in the waters off the coastlines of Louisiana, Texas and Florida. He was often found boating on his Trophy fishing and pleasure boat with other friends and family who also shared this much-loved pastime. Listening to country music, woodworking, gardening, working on “fix it” projects in his garage and spending time with his family were some of his favorite passions. He even built a catamaran sailboat with his own hands, while wife, Lousie, designed and sewed the sail - right in the living room.

He was a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church where he was active in the Pathfinders Sunday School class, served on the Administrative Board and taught adult Sunday School classes for 25 years. He was also active in Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity.

In his later years, Tom and Louise built their forever home in Magnolia, Texas, where they cherished many celebrations, holidays and family events with children, grandchildren and extended family alongside their beloved dog, Dixie. They were active members of the Woodlands Methodist Church at the time of his passing.

Tom will be remembered for his ceaseless and contagious energy as well as his wide interests in all aspects of the world at home and at large, from history, world affairs, politics, business, medicine and especially LSU sports. GEAUX TIGERS! He was always the first to offer to cook a mean gumbo (or anything Cajun for that matter) for friends and family. He loved collecting limited edition sports art and maritime prints, guns, knives, books and heirloom antiques which he proudly displayed in his office and home. He was a dedicated dad who supported his children in their many activities from horse shows to drill team events, sports, traveling, hunting and fishing. He even supported Louise by building birdhouses and doll beds for her many craft show ventures and loved going antiquing wherever they traveled.

To his last breath he was never one to be left at home when a family event took place, even when his mobility became limited. Just days before his passing he enjoyed his grandson’s outdoor engagement party under the trees in the Texas hill country. He will be forever remembered for his outgoing Irish spirit, life-of-the party attitude and passionate willingness to help others in need.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at a later date.