Thomas Thibodeaux Jr.

Thomas “Tommy” Thibodeaux Jr. passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, surrounded by family. Thomas was born on December 10, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the eldest of six children born to Thomas Thibodeaux Sr. of Convent, Louisiana and Cornelia Dumas Thibodeaux of Vacherie, Louisiana.

Thomas grew up in the historic New Orleans Seventh Ward, in a home on the corner of London Avenue and Duels Street. Thomas attended McDonogh No. 42 Elementary School. He went on to attend the iconic Saint Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. While attending St. Aug, Thomas enjoyed being a member of the track team. Upon graduating as a Purple Knight in 1960, Thomas voluntarily enlisted into the United States Air Force beginning his training on the Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He proudly served with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from June 1960 until June 1966.

After six years of honorable service, he returned home to New Orleans and began working for the New Orleans Disposal Service, later known as Browning-Ferris Industries or BFI, as a bulldozer operator and high-diesel mechanic.

During the summer of 1966, Thomas attended a social gathering at the home of his neighbor, Nicole Felton Hardin. This is where he met Anne Marie Hamilton. In August 1968, Thomas and Anne Marie were married at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Houma, Louisiana. During their twenty-five-year marriage, they raised their two children in the St. Roch and Kenilworth New Orleans East neighborhoods.

Throughout the course of Thomas' professional career, he expanded his skillset and took on new challenges. For many years, Thomas worked for Boh Brothers Construction and the Hilton Hotel-RiverWalk, as a Director of Energy Efficiency. Prior to his retirement, Thomas served as a sales representative at Mossy GMC and Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans selling one of his favorite things, cars!

Thomas always demonstrated a strong work ethic, but he also knew how to have fun. He dedicated himself to a multitude of hobbies and athletic pursuits. Thomas was an avid fisherman, hunter, taxidermist, marksman, runner, bicyclist, motorcyclist, sketch artist, gardener, and car enthusiast.

Another passion of Thomas' was his love of dogs, really big dogs! He took great pride in caring for and teaching each furry companion. His greatest kinship was associated with MadMax. Yes, the name says it all! Thomas found Max as an abandoned Hurricane Katrina puppy. Max’s athletic ability and spirited personality were a challenge Thomas welcomed. Max was a fiercely loyal companion to Thomas for over fifteen years.

Thomas lived life to the fullest and he will be missed. His favorite saying was "keep on, keeping on."

Thomas is survived by his children, Angele Thibodeaux Burns (LaVias) and Thomas Thibodeaux III (Shalinda) and four grandchildren, Jenee, Jaedyn, Jackson, and Thomas IV. He is also survived by his siblings, Michaele Thibodeaux Barthelemy (Sidney), Sheila Thibodeaux Marcus, and Donna Maria Thibodeaux Brennan (Joseph), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Michael Anthony Thibodeaux and his sister, Cynthia Maria Thibodeaux.

Thomas’ funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Saint Martin De Porres Catholic Church located at 5621 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70122. The visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Words of Remembrance will begin at 10:30 am with Mass beginning promptly at 11:00 am. Immediately following the Mass, Thomas will be laid to rest with military honors at the Saint Louis Cemetery #3 in the Resurrection Mausoleum located at 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70119.

Thomas’ funeral arrangements have been made in collaboration with the Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home located at 4747 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70006.

Thomas’ children, Angele and Thomas III, welcome family, friends, and colleagues to participate in Thomas' Celebration of Life services, Mass and burial.

Thomas loved flowers and the family welcomes them in his honor. However, if you are seeking an option, please consider a donation to Saint Augustine High School at www.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/l2G4uvfmBmbs34XlAEg0gQ in honor of Thomas. In the special instructions section, please note: “In Honor of Thomas Thibodeaux, Jr., "60”.

Fond memories and words of condolences may be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.