Tillman Loe Poindexter, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Opelousas, LA. He was born on December 30, 1941, in Bienville, LA to the late Sidney and Gladiola Loe Poindexter. Affectionately known as TL, he lived a remarkable life defined by service to his country, dedication to his profession, and a lifelong love of the outdoors, aviation, and the many pursuits that brought him joy.
TL proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he began a distinguished career as an Electronic Warfare Engineer, dedicating his knowledge, skills, and talents to the defense of his nation. Throughout his career, he was called upon to serve with members of nearly every branch of the United States Armed Forces, with the exception of the United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, carrying out his duties wherever his expertise was needed.
His contributions to the field of defense research and development were significant and enduring. A Defense Research and Development Laboratory was named in his honor, a lasting testament to the impact of his work and his commitment to serving his country.
TL retired at the age of 79, bringing to a close an extraordinary professional career that spanned decades. Yet retirement did not mean slowing down. He continued to pursue the many interests that had enriched his life.
He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting deer, turkey, ducks, and squirrels. He was also a remarkable gunsmith, possessing a rare combination of technical knowledge, patience, and craftsmanship.
A lifelong enthusiast of radio, TL was a ham radio operator, enjoying the connections and technology that came with the hobby.
He also had a profound love of aviation. He earned his pilot's license and greatly enjoyed flying, combining his passion for aircraft with the freedom and adventure of being in the air.
TL will be remembered as a dedicated patriot, accomplished engineer, skilled craftsman, aviator, outdoorsman, and radio enthusiast. Above all, he will be remembered for a life devoted to service, curiosity, and the pursuit of the things he loved.
His legacy lives on through the work he accomplished, the people he served alongside, the laboratory that bears his name, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable 84 years.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 42 years, Shirley Oubre Poindexter; one daughter, Teri Poindexter; three sons, John Poindexter (Kelly); Wayne Poindexter (Nicole) and Tracy Poindexter (Lori); seventeen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild that is expected any day.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by two brothers Sidney Poindexter and Dale Poindexter (Ann).
A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Evangeline Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Holy Family mausoleum with military Honors by the Acadiana Veteran’s Honor Guard.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Joshua Poindexter, Jacob Poindexter, Michael Chandler, Jay Poindexter, Taylor Giroir, Dane Guidroz and Andrew Horton.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and or Samaritan’s Purse.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting his memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
