Tommy LaRousse, 85, of Wimberley and formerly of Bevil Oaks, died Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Deer Creek Nursing Home in Wimberley. A native of Texla, Texas, he was born April 30, 1924, to Lora Davis LaRousse and Thomas LaRousse, Sr. Tommy was a special services technician with Southwestern Bell from 1947, retiring in 1988 after 41 years of service. He also served in the United States Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1947 as a deck engineer.
Tommy, who was raised in Beaumont, moved to Bevil Oaks in 1963 and was one of the first residents of the city. He spent many years (from 1965 to 2006) serving on the city council, and developed and completed many projects , including the city library, and the Tommy LaRousse Park. He was active in the Lion’s Club and also spent many years working in the press box at the Speedway 90 Racetrack.
Tommy also served as a job steward with CWA Local 6139, during his tenure with Southwestern Bell. He was also on the Board of Directors of Beaumont Telco Federal Credit Union (now Neches Federal Credit Union) and served in that capacity for at least three decades.
Tommy devoted his “free time” to his favorite hobbies, gardening and wood working. He loved doing these things because he could share the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. Tommy was also a dedicated fan of the Lamar Cardinals basketball team and a proud member of the Cardinal Club.
Tommy cherished spending time with his loved ones, and will always be remembered for his unselfish and giving heart.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Susan LaRousse of Wimberley; sister, Marcelene Keeton of Vidor and brother Gene LaRousse of Beaumont; children, Penny Pounders and her husband Kenneth of College Station, Brad LaRousse and his wife Kim of Arlington, Cyndi Brown and her husband Randy of Wimberley, Marc LaRousse and his wife Nancy of Bevil Oaks, and Lisa LaRousse of Georgetown; He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Matthew Pounders and his wife Sarah of the Woodlands, Erin Pounders of College Station, Taylor Fabian and her husband Richard of Arlington, West Fort of Korea, Hunter LaRousse of Wichita, Kansas, Carly and Connor Brown of Wimberley, Eric and Morgan LaRousse of Bevil Oaks, Tommy and Hannah Faggard of Georgetown; great-grandchildren Sora Fabian of Arlington, Lilly Fort of Arlington, and Abby Pounders of the Woodlands.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A graveside service will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Magnolia Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard’s.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the City of Bevil Oaks, 7390 Sweetgum Road, Beaumont, Texas, 77713, for the perpetual care of the Thomas LaRousse Park.
