Thomas Andrew Gaudet

Thomas Andrew Gaudet, 84, passed away on February 18, 2026, in the comfort of his home in the peaceful community of Lizana, MS., where he had resided for many years close to friends who were family to him.  “Tommy,” as he was lovingly known, was born on April 16, 1941, in New Orleans, LA, and was adopted by Paul Archibald Gaudet and his wife, Alice Davis Gaudet. Growing up, Tommy was especially fond of playing football, becoming very talented at the game, and eventually played college football at Vanderbilt University.  After graduating from Vanderbilt with a Bachelor’s degree, he joined the United States Marines, where he proudly served until receiving a medical discharge. Tommy was an avid bridge player and thoroughly enjoyed playing in many tournaments over the years.  He was active in politics, working on several campaigns in Louisiana during the 60’s and 70’s. Tommy cherished his lifelong friendship with his good buddy, Russell Mitchell, and his family.  After Russell’s death, Tommy continued to hold tight to his memories of Russell and surrounded himself with the love of Russell’s niece, Peggy Luke, and her family. During this time, in his later years, Tommy started reading the Bible and began to love the Lord.  Despite Tommy’s stubbornness, his heart was filled with love that he generously shared with those around him. Tommy will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Gaudet, his mother, Alice Gaudet, and his step-mother, Lucy Carroll Gaudet; his step-brothers, Leigh Carroll III and Frederick Sinclair Carroll; his sister, Michelle Gaudet Burris; one brother-in-law, Terry Carl Retersdorf; one sister-in-law, Sheila Kerrigan Carroll; and two nephews, Leigh Carroll IV and Alfred Gaudet Hodges. Tommy is survived by his step-brother, Joseph Wheadon Carroll, and his wife, Susan Breit Carroll of Mandeville, LA; one half-sister, Mary Gaudet Retersdorf, of Pass Christian, MS; and one sister-in-law, Jacqueline Wolfe Carroll of Pass Christian, MS. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Luke family for always loving Tommy as their own and taking such good care of him.  Interment for Tommy will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Live Oak Cemetery in Pass Christian. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Gaudet family, and we ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.