Thomas Hales Eubanks

Eubanks, Thomas Hales Ph.D. Thomas Hales Eubanks, Ph.D., Louisiana's State Archaeologist, passed away at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 57. He enjoyed and respected nature, and was an accomplished photographer, an avid supporter of human rights, a lover of astronomy and a preservationist. Dr. Eubanks was born in Nashville, Tenn., on July 28, 1949, and spent his early years in Cincinnati, and when only 15 started working at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. He went on to earn three anthropology degrees: a B.A. from Eastern Kentucky University and an M.A. and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Dr. Eubanks was trained as an historic archaeologist, and specialized in the plantation era of the Southern United States and Caribbean. During his studies, Dr. Eubanks excavated several 18th and 19th century sugar factories and rum distilleries on the West Indian island of Tobago. His career included working as an assistant to the State Archaeologist of Georgia. Subsequently, Dr. Eubanks worked as an historic preservation consultant for the Tobago House of Assembly in the West Indies. He also directed the University of Florida's Tobago Archaeological Program. After moving to Baton Rouge in 1994 to become state archaeologist, Dr. Eubanks also served for the last three years as an adjunct assistant professor of anthropology at LSU. He also served on the Louisiana Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission. Dr. Eubanks also chaired the Louisiana Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails Commission, and the Louisiana Unmarked Burial Sites Board. In 2003, he was selected as president of the National Association of State Archaeologists, a post he held until his death. Dr. Eubanks focused much of his energy on building strong working relationships with Native American tribes. He was instrumental in the recent creation of the Louisiana Ancient Mounds Trail. Numerous organizations have acknowledged the importance of his work. They include the Native American Historical Initiative, the Chitimacha Tribal Council, the Caddo Nation, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, the Louisiana Archaeological Society, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Louisiana Army National Guard also honored him for his work, including his involvement with the Native American Keepsake Cemetery. He is survived by his life partner, Ray Brinkman of New Orleans; nephew, Robert W. Eubanks III; niece, Leah Ann Eubanks; sister-in-law, Sandy Eubanks; aunt, Marge Hales; and four cousins, Genny Williams, Becca Ganic, Mary Turek and Catie Hales. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert W. and Ann Eubanks; and by his brother, Robert W. Eubanks. Mr. Brinkman is planning a memorial service for Dr. Eubanks and will announce details later. Those wishing to make a gift in honor of his life and work may contact the National Archaeological Conservancy, which has set up a special fund in his name, the American Cancer Society of Baton Rouge or the Human Rights Campaign Fund. Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., is in charge of arrangements.