Thomas Eugene Harvey Sr.

Thomas Eugene Harvey, Sr., 91, of Baton Rouge, peacefully passed over to his heavenly home on January 15, 2024. Tom was born to Mattie Ella and Murry Henry Harvey in Ansley, LA on November 11, 1932. He was the youngest of one sister and four brothers, Stella, Jefferson, Oma, Willie, and Murl, all who preceded him in death, along with daughter-in-law Julie Harvey, great-granddaughter, Belladonna McSweet, and Anne Harvey.

Tom was married twice, to Ernestine Dickerson first, and then to Ann Reeves. He was the ever-present patriarch at many family gatherings full of fun and fellowship with those he loved and who loved him dearly. He reveled in the presence of others who cherished their time with him. He will be missed, but the vivid memories will remain forever.

Tom is survived by his three children: Thomas Harvey, Jr. (Elisa), Debbie Williams (Tim), and Roy Harvey; eight grandchildren: Sheradan Pate, Jessa Findley (Brian), Amber Valentine (Clay), Jennifer McSweet (Jonathan), Heather Dunn (Tristan), Ben Harvey (Emily), Merrell Harvey, and Aspen Harvey; and 13 great-grandchildren: Isaac and Everly Findley, Sage and Bodhi Pate, Clay and Vincent Valentine, Audra, Garrison, Mathias, Ellianne, Verity, and Colette McSweet, and Parker Harvey; and three step-children: Kim Papenhausen, Kristi Stewart, and Karmon Baker and their families.

Tom enjoyed regaling family and friends with stories of his family-centered upbringing in the small sawmill town of Ansley where he romped through the woods, hunted, fished, and played ball, absorbing a rich culture that shaped his future. After graduating Quitman High School, he joined the Army where he completed basic training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC, then became a Tank Driver at Fort Chaffee, AR with the 5th Armored Division, and then was stationed in Germany.

After his military service, he moved with much of his family from north Louisiana to Baton Rouge, where he learned to become a butcher at Swift and Company. Following that employment, he obtained a position at the East Baton Rouge Parish Sherriff’s Department where he rose through the ranks from an entry-level guard at the downtown jail to Warden of the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison until he retired allowing him to partake in a life of home remodeling, traveling, and leisure for over 30 years. Tom was a proud, lifelong Christian and current member of First Church of the Nazarene, a fellowship he valued deeply.

The celebration of Tom Harvey’s life will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park with visitation Monday evening, January 22 (4:30-7pm), and Tuesday morning, January 23, at 9am with funeral to follow at 10am. Services will be led by Reverend Dale Hoffpauir.

Pall bearers will be Ben Harvey, Merrell Harvey, Clay Valentine, Jonathan McSweet, Tristan Dunn, Tucker Sharer, Chuck Harvey, and Rick Harvey.

Much gratitude is expressed to the many caregivers who attended to Tom over the past few years and during his final time here on earth. Your calling to care for others is a gift from God.