Thomas William Daigle

Tom was born on March 16, 1938, in Minnesota to the late Thaddeus and Berdine Daigle. He graduated from Great Mills High School and went on to attend Carson-Newman College, earning his degree in 1965. He later received his Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Seminary, preparing for a lifetime of faithful ministry.

Tom met his beloved wife, Marlene, and proposed just ten days after they met. Their marriage lasted more than sixty years and was a testament to enduring love and commitment. Together they raised four children. Tom treasured being a father and was actively involved in his children’s lives. He was overjoyed to become a grandfather and later a great-grandfather. Family was the cornerstone of his life, and he served as a strong, steady foundation for generations.

Throughout his distinguished career as a Southern Baptist pastor, Tom traveled and preached across the United States, serving congregations in New York, Ohio, Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Indiana. He proudly pastored Derita Baptist Church, Plaza Baptist Church, Vassar Road Baptist Church, Middleton Baptist Church, Hughesville Baptist Church, Bedford Road Baptist Church, Tell City Baptist Church, and Elizabethtown Baptist Church. Throughout his career, Tom always prioritized the people he served above all else. His ministry was rooted in caring for others, walking alongside them in times of joy and hardship, and faithfully shepherding each congregation. He was deeply passionate about spreading the Gospel and fostering strong, supportive church communities wherever he ministered.

Tom embodied the qualities of a devoted Southern Baptist preacher. He was loving, loyal, and faithful, not only to his church but also to his family and friends. A man of integrity, even his children described him as a “credible” man from a young age. He possessed a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to those around him. He was forgiving, steadfast in his conservative values, and unwavering in his faith.

In his spare time, Tom enjoyed golfing, bowling, and baseball. He loved playing games, working on puzzles, playing cards, and sharing a competitive round of dominoes with family and friends.

Tom made a lasting impact on his family, his congregations, and the many communities he served. A devout servant of the Lord, he faithfully lived out his calling. He wished to share a final message to all who knew him: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”

He now rests in heaven, where he feels more at home than ever, and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sister, Ann Daigle Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene Daigle; his children, Peggy LeAnne Daigle Szot, Bryan (Mary Lee) Thomas Daigle, Ted Jay Daigle, and Andrea Elayne Daigle; his grandchildren, Nikolas Daigle Szot, Jayson Daigle Szot, Rebeka Ashlyn Daigle Villegas, Brady Thomas Daigle, Gina Ann Stone, Heidi Lynn Martin, and Sephrenia Aphrael Daigle; and his great grandchildren, Tanner Preston Williams, Maddison Michelle Krista Steige, Ella Belle Stone, Allen Daniel Daigle, and Azalea Danae Gidden.

A service to celebrate Tom's life and legacy will be on March 15, 2026 at Statesville Road Baptist.