Tommy Vestal's Obituary
Fr. Tom Vestal passed away peacefully on August 8, 2022. He was born in Sherman, Texas on July 31, 1938, to Mildred and Harold Vestal, the youngest of six boys. He attended Eastern Montana College receiving an Associate Degree in Education.
Tom worked in Midland, Texas before moving to Shreveport completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from LSU-S. He later completed a Master’s Degree in Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Administration from Centenary College, fulfilling his avocation as a life long learner.
Tom was employed by the Caddo Parish school system and was recognized as a creative thinker, organizer, and the “go-to” person to get things done. He had a special interest in high -risk youth management as well as student leadership. Tom served on the textbook committee for the state of Louisiana writing a drug education curriculum creating a number of training programs for his fellow teachers.
Following retirement from Louisiana Department of Education, Tom had an opportunity to fulfill a life long dream, that of exploring his spirituality in more depth. He began taking classes at Crammer Theological Seminary and as with all endeavors, he pursued his coursework with great energy and enthusiasm. In 2005, he was ordained a Priest in the Reformed Episcopal Church.
Tom continued a long-standing community outreach program taking spiritual programs to those who were struggling with substance abuse or were homeless. His street ministry was well respected and valued in the community. He was often sought after to minister to at risk populations.
Tom’s life was devoted to sharing with others. He did so with compassion, respect, honesty and an unforgettable sense of humor. He was gifted in supporting others in their quest for self-discovery and development. His own life was quite a journey and along the way, he touched many lives which were made richer for the experience.
Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Judith Carson Vestal; sisters-in-law, Karen Carson Felling (Carl), Joanne Vestal, Gloria Johnson-Phillips and Mary Jo Carson; brother-in-law, Carl Carson (Maryann) and numerous nieces and nephews.
It was Tom’s request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to All Saints Anglican Church, 9051 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71115, St. James Anglican Church, 461 S. Prescott St. Memphis, TN 3811 or to Woody’s Veterans Home, 442 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA 71101.
Graveside services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, TN on August 19, 2022 at 10 am.
Memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church in Shreveport, LA on September 10, 2022 at 11 am.
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