Thomas Zane McGaha passed away peacefully in his home, on September 3, 2023, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Born in Little Rock, AR on October 1, 1939, he graduated from Kilburn High School in 1958. In January of 1959, Tom enlisted in the Air Force, where he would remain until 1966. During the final year of his service, while stationed at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Tom met Evelyn (née Andrepont) of Opelousas, LA, his wife of 57 years. Tom and Evelyn were married on August 13, 1966, and shortly thereafter, he began his career as a cable splicer for South Central Bell (later AT&T), from which he retired in 2008.
An active, dedicated member and speaker in the Living Church of God, Tom was ordained a deacon in 1983. He lived a life of service up until the day he was no longer able to do so, and even then he would still attempt to help out wherever he saw a need. He was widely known as a man of gentleness, kindness, mercy, and faith.
Tom was an avid and accomplished gardener, who was happy to share his vast experience and knowledge with anyone who came to him for advice. And to go along with his love of gardening, he also had a great love for the weather, learning its patterns and indicators as a young boy on the farm. If Tom said it was going to rain in 20 minutes…it was going to rain in 20 minutes.
Tom was preceded in death by his father TZ Hartley, mother Ruth Morgan, sister Anna McGaha, sister Laura McGaha, and sister Fay Abraugh. He is survived by his wife Evelyn McGaha, daughter Dorrie Henderson, son-in-law Jon Henderson, grandson Joseph Henderson, granddaughter Kira Hall, grandson-in-law CJ Hall, brother Larry McGaha, sister Kay Duke, sister Rose McGaha, sister Yvonne Bowell, sister Suzie White, and many nieces and nephews.
A small graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 10:45, on September 15, 2023, at Louisiana National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a church or charity of your choice
To me, his death is surreal; but his resurrection to meet Christ in the air at the last trumpet is not. He was a kind, gentle man whom I am proud to have known. He served as a role model for others to follow. I look forward to seeing him again in an everlasting reunion.
Thinking of the family and especially Kay-as she was a class mate. We all rode the bus together during our school years . Have peace I knowing he was such a gentle person in life.
Mr. Tom was my buddy.
Mr.Tom was always gentle, kind and respectful. I never heard Mr. Tom speak harshly, profanely or without great thought and wisdom. Thank you Mr. Tom for blessing me with your with love and wisdom. It was an honor to be by your side when you went to your heavenly home. I am looking forward to worshiping with you in Heaven.