Thomas Falgout Sr.

1936 - 2017

Thomas Earl Falgout Sr.

LAFAYETTE, LA - Thomas Earl Falgout, Sr. passed on to glory in his sleep on August 21, 2017. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 2 at Madison Hall, Broussard from 2 to 6. Friends and family are welcome. He was born in Ida, LA and his family moved frequently to follow the oil industry. The family settled in Houma, LA in 1952.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carmer Bergeron Falgout and four children, Tanya Falgout, Tess Chustz, Tracie Musumeci (Randy) and Tommy Falgout; also, seven grandchildren, Randi Bergeron (Jordan), Bobby Harper, Blisse Bihm, Zachary Falgout (Rebecca), George Chustz, Evan Harper, Jacob Gularte and 6 great grandchildren, Jordan, Russell and Thea Bergeron, Charlie and Oliver Mould and Hayden Harper. Survivors include two sisters, Johni Ledet and Deitra LeBouef and nieces Tawny LeBouef and Karly Dickson, and nephew Jeremy LeBouef; Trey Ledet, great nephews Micah Tullia and Landon and Ethan LeBouef. He was predeceased by his mother Opal Brantly Falgout, father, Earl Falgout, and mother-in-law Pearl Bergeron.

Tom was a graduate of Terrebonne High School and LSU with a BSME and MS in engineering. He was an instructor in the department of engineering mechanics at LSU, teaching mechanics. While at LSU he was a member of ROTC. He earned a PhD in Engineering Mechanics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and was employed as a graduate assistant.

Tom was a member of The American Society of Mechanical Engineering and became Professional Engineer in Alabama in 1969 and in Louisiana in 1971. At VPI he was elected to The Society of Sigma Zi in 1964.

He fulfilled his ROTC obligation at Fort Huachuca, AZ as a captain and director of the Quality Assurance Branch, for the US Army, Electronics Proving Grounds. In the military, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He was discharged as a reserve officer in 1968.

He began his career in education at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa as assistant professor in the department of mechanical systems. He was also involved with the Aero - Astrodynamic Laboratory, NASA - Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL.

After a stint in the oil industry, Tom was appointed as an associate professor at USL and acting head of the department of mechanical engineering in 1970. He later left academia for the oil industry and established Tomahawk Enterprises. He designed and patented many tools that improved downhole drilling. He retired from his company in 2007.

Tom especially enjoyed the company of friends and family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent much time teaching his grandchildren card games. "Oh Heck" was a family favorite. He loved people and never met a stranger. His friends are encouraged to remember stories about Tom and share them at the celebration on Saturday, September 2, at The Madison Hall, Broussard, from 2 to 6.

A special thanks and gratitude to the staff of The Blake and Right at Home care givers. In lieu of flowers, please choose your favorite charity or Family Promise, Faith House, Habitat for Humanity, or Food Net of Acadiana.