Thomas "Tommy" D. Bourgeois Sr.

Thomas D. "Tommy" Bourgeois Sr., 55 a resident of Berwick passed away Monday, January 6, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family. Tommy was born on April 16, 1958 in Morgan City the son of Alfred Bourgeois Jr. and Barbara Dupont Bourgeois. Tommy served as a mentor, teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal during his 32 year career including eleven years of service at Berwick High School and twelve years at Berwick Junior High School. He also served at Bayou Vista Elementary, J.B. Maitland Elementary, and Central Catholic High School during his career. As a high school teacher and coach Tommy served as a motivator and skillful guide for many baseball, basketball, and football teams. This includes his Berwick High School basketball state runner-up team in 1994 and his football playoff team in 1996. He was profoundly dedicated to his students, faculty, and colleagues in the face of a debilitating illness which has given a source of inspiration and encouragement for individuals to face life's challenges with dignity and courage. The St. Mary School Board and the community of Berwick have greatly benefited from the leadership and vision of Tommy as a committed advocate for education. He was a loyal educator who had a significant impact on countless young adults and fellow educators. Tommy was a member of the St. Mary Parish Principal's Association, Kappa Alpha Order, and a lifetime member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Martha T. Bourgeois of Berwick, one son, Thomas D. "Beau" Bourgeois Jr., of Berwick; two daughters, Dru Hebert and husband Carl of Berwick, Kristen Bourgeois of Baton Rouge; one grandson, Carl "Tripp" Hebert III; one brother, Alfred "Al" Bourgeois and wife Chere of Gonzales; three sisters, Kristi Bourgeois and husband Guy Blasingame of Lafayette, Jeanne David and husband Teddy of Addis, Babette Bourgeois and husband Jamie Lavigne of Humble, Texas. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents Alfred "Buddy" Bourgeois, Jr. and Barbara Dupont Bourgeois. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Danny Poche officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at Twin City Funeral Home. Visitation will resume from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Holy Cross. Entombment will follow Mass in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given in Tommy's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital or The Miles Liner Foundation c/o Twin City Funeral Home P.O. Box 132, Morgan City, LA 70381.