Thomas Devane Bourdeaux Sr.

Thomas Devane Bourdeaux Sr.

(8.19.1932 – 3.13.2026)

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Mr. Thomas (Tom) Devane Bourdeaux, Sr., of Gaithersburg, born August 19, 1932, passed from this life on March 13, 2026, at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center following a period of declining health, with his wife at his side. He was 93.

The son of Clitus Oliver Bourdeaux, Jr. and Margery Girling Bourdeaux, Tom is survived by his brother, Robert B. Bourdeaux (Marilyn), and sister, Margaret Bourdeaux Macensky (Samuel), as well as his wife of nearly 70 years, Sandra Sweadner Bourdeaux, and sons, Thomas D. Bourdeaux, Jr. and Richard E. Bourdeaux.

Tom is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Sandra Z. Bourdeaux and Alyssa M. Bourdeaux; his grandchildren, Danielle Bourdeaux Vogel (Jeffrey), Remy D. Bourdeaux (Jana), and Alesia G. Bourdeaux; step-grandchild, Jiselle Z. Pardoe (Michael); and great-grandchildren, Grant D. Vogel, Tucker T. Vogel, and Elisabeth L. Vogel, along with step-great-grandchild, Jasper M. Pardoe.

Born in Washington, D.C., Tom moved at a young age with his family to a small farm in Montgomery County and remained a lifelong Marylander from that point on. He often shared stories of the area's transformation from open countryside to the vibrant cities, towns and communities we know today.

He attended the University of Maryland, College Park, as a Fine Arts major and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After graduating in 1954, he was called to serve in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, stationed in Germany as a headquarters radio operator, and later continued his service in the Reserves.

On May 31, 1958, he married the love of his life, Sandra Sweadner. Their first son, Thomas Jr., was born in 1964, followed by their second son, Richard, in 1966. In 1968, Tom built a home near Laytonsville on land originally owned by his father, where he lived for the rest of his life.

In 1966, Tom began his career with Montgomery County Public Schools as its first official graphic designer. As the department grew, he earned the title of Supervising Graphic Artist. He was deeply respected and well-loved by his colleagues and remained there until his retirement in 1991.
Gifted with a long life and robust health, Tom enjoyed countless years on his collection of tractors, including an International Harvester Farmall Super-C, a John Deere 850 and other various lawn tractors maintaining his property. He often offered rides to grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews and others who happened to visit. When he wasn't engrossed in watching football, baseball, basketball or hockey, he could be found tinkering in his garage, surrounded by his vast sign collection, classical music playing softly in the background.

A quintessential country gentleman, Tom was known for his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and captivating stories. He will be deeply missed, thought of often, and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held by his wife at the family home he built and cherished on May 31, 2026, which would have been their 68th wedding anniversary.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.