Thomas E. Plauche'

Thomas Edrington Plauche\' Dad was born Thomas Edrington Plauche' in Lake Charles, LA on September 21, 1950 (the same day as Bill Murray as he liked to remind us). He grew up in Shreveport, attended St. Joseph's Grade School and Jesuit High School (class of '68) before earning a bachelor's degree in History from LSU Baton Rouge. He worked as an insurance agent most of his adult life before retiring to pursue his lifelong dream of being a (substitute) teacher. He had a long-lasting crush on Marilyn Monroe, sang Blues Brothers music at the top of his lungs and would never refuse some Three Stooges laughs, History Channel documentaries or an LSU football game at the end of a long day. He also took great pride in discovering who served the best hamburger in any city he visited. Most of all, he loved me, his daughter Emily, with his whole heart. He provided unwavering support for me throughout the ups, downs, twists and turns of my own life journey never failing to provide comic relief when it was needed most. I was his pride and joy; he sacrificed himself and his own wishes countlessly on my behalf and was the greatest dad that anyone could have asked for. As I wear his watch and hear the seconds pass, I know what he would say to everyone is that it's never too late to pursue your dreams; that each human being, regardless of how different from us they might be in race, sexual orientation, religion or disability, is not just worth patiently tolerating, but worth happily celebrating. He sought to understand others above all else and emanated empathy, love and radical acceptance like no one else I have ever known. He was the picture of Christ's unconditional love to me and all who knew him. He is preceded, in death by his parents, Thomas Joseph and Emma Margeurite Edrington Plauche, and his brother Mark Douglas Plauche'. He is survived by me, his daughter Emily C. Plauche'; my mother Elizabeth Hicks Plauche'; his sisters and their spouses: Gael Catherine Mary Plauche' and her husband Charles, Andree Plauche' Gingles and her husband Eddie, Annette Plauche' McRae and her husband Wes and Suzanne Plauche' Dunne and her husband Paul. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers are some of his dearest friends: Dr. Joseph Pineda, Dan and Margeurite Swannon, the Brain Trust (Benjamin Gates, Bob Clary, Ernie Cowger, Perry McBride, Chris Minor, Dan Browne) and the host of other close friends who I may have failed to mention... you know who you are. I know you\'re okay, Daddio. I know you\'re thrilled to finally know who killed JFK and I know you\'re making someone laugh wherever you are. I love you to the ends of the earth and I sure will miss you now and forever. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 6 followed by a service at 2:00PM at the Rose-Neath Funeral Home (1815 Marshall St, 71101). After the service (around 3:30PM), Dad will be joining us in spirit for one last hamburger. Everyone will be welcome to join us for sharing stories, hearty laughs and a burger at the Twisted Root (8690 Line Ave, 71106). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Girls on the Run International (https://www.girlsontherun.org/Get-Involved/Donate).