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Thomas Edward Umphrey

1946 ∼ 2013

Thomas Edward Umphrey
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Thomas Edward Umphrey October 13, 1946 - February 5, 2013

Thomas "Tom" Edward Umphrey, 66, of Port Arthur passed away at Harbor Hospice House on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. He was born on October 13, 1946 to Gertrude Broussard Umphrey and Fate Umphrey in Port Arthur, Texas. Tom was a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from Notre Dame with a Bachelors Degree in English, he earned his teaching credentials from Lamar University. Tom taught Math and English at Bishop Byrne High School from 1969 to 1982. He also coached basketball and football at Bishop Byrne. He joined the staff at Nederland High School as an English teacher and also a coach for basketball and football for over 28 years. Tom was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Arthur. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 7, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 7:00 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Arthur on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Stephen McCrate serving as celebrant. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Clayton Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Gothia Umphrey of Port Arthur, his daughter, Krista Umphrey Crorey and husband Hunter of Hemphill, Texas, his son, Bo Joseph Umphrey of Port Arthur, Texas along with his sister, Jan Umphrey and husband, Mark Wenglar of Pearland, Texas, his two nephews, Timothy and Stephen Wenglar. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to be made to St. Catherine Catholic School or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Condolences

Jerry Junot February 8, 2013
You were the only teacher that made everyone laugh Class 75 Bishop Byrne it was a pleasure knowing you rest in piece
Faye Dismukes February 7, 2013
My sincere condolences to Barbara and all Tom's family. I pray your faith brings you comfort and hope, and your memories together bring joy and laughter. May he rest in peace.
Sultana February 7, 2013
Tom was a great colleague! He was very sharp--even though he had interesting eating habits! He always brought a smile to my face whenever I heard him repeat the same directions during research paper time. Last night, I heard a former student say that Mr. Umphrey is one of two teachers that he remembers from high school.
Dotti Curl February 7, 2013
May the God of peace be with you during this time of grief. Tom was a colorful man and I enjoyed working with him these past 25 years.
Diane Junot Findley February 7, 2013
To the greatest coach, teacher and friend. You were an asset to BBHS and a mentor to all of the students. God chose you to be a teacher. May your knowledge live on in the lives that you have touched, including myself. My thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara and the kids and his extended family. BBHS forever, Go Shamrocks!!!!! Class of 1982
Karen Bussell February 7, 2013
We will miss our Tom at the alternative school!
Kathleen Broussard Petry February 7, 2013
Jan, my sympathy to you and your family on the loss of "Mr. Umphrey". How can you mention his name and not think of good memories in his classroom? He knew how to divide the class up for a good game of Jeopardy,and had a "third sense" of when the PA system clicked on, for us to be quiet. And I, too, remember that Powder Puff game! I could always count on seeing him grocery shopping at Bruce's Market Basket. Prayers to all of you.
Susan Streetman February 7, 2013
Susan Streetman has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.
Maria Perez February 7, 2013
Barbara & Children: So sorry to learn of Tom's death. I didn't know him well but he was a good guy to have married you and have two wonderful kids. My prayers and thoughts are you always. Love Maria Perez
Marian Chauvin Burt February 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to all the family. Tom Umphrey you made high school so much better for all of us. You were a great teacher and we have great memories and stories to tell. You really touched so many lives as a teacher and coach but also as a friend and mentor to us all. We are better for having known you. I will always remember you calling me "Mern"....
Mike (Mickey) Decoux February 7, 2013
My most sincere sympathy to Tommy's family. Tommy and I grew up in the same neighborhood down on 15th. street in Port Arthur. We spent many hours playing sports in the empty lot next to his house. Nice to know that he grew up to have such an influence on so many young people. Adios my old friend.
Jeff & Dana Foreman February 6, 2013
We have so many wonderful memories of Tom...Coach Umphrey! Barbara & family, please know you are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. May the good Lord hold you & see you through.
Linda Parish February 6, 2013
Goodbye, my beloved friend.
Gary & Margie Tiner February 6, 2013
Our sympathy to your entire family. Tom was a wonderful- smart man who touched the lives of so many students with his knowledge. May God help you and give you strength in days to come.. God Bless
Janna Carter February 6, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family with the loss of Coach Umphrey.
Karry Whitaker February 6, 2013
I will miss you at work but I know you are in a better place.Watch over us here we still need your guidance.
Terri Eldridge February 6, 2013
Coach Umphrey will be missed! Prayers to his family at this dfficult time.
Tommie Marshall February 6, 2013
Barbara and Family...my condolence and prayers are offered on your behalf as you journey during the difficult days ahead. May your "mustard seed" of faith and love sustain you.
Johna Trahan February 6, 2013
Krista, So sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your father, he must of been a special person to have raised such a sweet, humble, and beautiful person as you! Love you girl, stay strong! Johna
Anna Bedford February 6, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Umphrey family. I am saddened to know that Mr. Umphrey has passed. He was my English teacher, at Nederland High School, where I enjoyed his class very much. Ma God be with you as you gothrough this tough time. You are all in my thoghts and prayers. -Anna Bedford
Alicia Tuell February 6, 2013
Coach Umphrey was one of my favorite teachers in High School. His humor kept us interested & I will always remember him with a smile on my face. I wish I were in town to pay my respects. Love & prayers to his loved ones.
Kevin Derouen February 6, 2013
You will be missed my friend. Thanks for the memories Coach Umphrey.
Ashley Thibodeaux February 6, 2013
you were an amazing teacher and so awesome. you were loved by many and will continue to be in our hearts. rest in peace coach Umphrey
Susan Martinez February 6, 2013
I have many wonderful memories of Coach Umphrey as my teacher in Algebra I and Trig as well as the softball coach. I especially love that he always seemed to be laughing even if not aloud. I enjoyed seeing him in church sitting in the cry room even when the kids were grown! Rest in peace Coach. I will lift up Barbara, Krista and Bo in my prayers.
Helen And Craig Owen February 6, 2013
Dear Family of Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a special man. I knew him when I was so young, in my twenties. God bless you all. My whole family knew him very well. Helen Smith Owen and husband Craig
Cathy Calame February 6, 2013
Such and admirable man and exceptional teacher!
Marie Redding February 5, 2013
Ah, Tom. You fought the good fight in your valiant and inimitably own way. May God keep you in His embrace. Barbara, Krista, and Bo, you are blessed to have Tom as your husband and father. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you have been for some time now. With love,Marie
Christopher Howell February 5, 2013
I learned to follow my own inner-voice and to go in the direction of my heart by knowing and being taught by Tom Umphrey. He was a unique contribution to the educational system and will be missed. May G-d bless his wife Barbara during this time of loss.
Kenneth Breaux February 5, 2013
I'll miss you, cousin. My prayers are with your family.
Linda Cobb February 5, 2013
Always a steady presence who will be greatly moved. Blessings of peace Tom.
Glenda Goates February 5, 2013
Umphrey family some uplifting thoughts your daughter Krista has made an everlasting impression on my daughter Kennedy and it can only come from wonderful parents. I know Tom will be missed by everyone he ever knew, taught or coached.
Koy Mason February 5, 2013
Coach Umphrey's influence on me as a young man was instrumental. Please accept my sincere condolences for the passing of a great leader.
Steve, Gay, Derouen And Family February 5, 2013
Tom, our dear Friend...you will be missed by so many. Barbara, Krista, Bo, Hunter and family, God Bless and comfort you as the loving memories remain in our hearts forever. We Love You.
Susan Flanagan Martin February 5, 2013
Tom Umphery, You made the Ho-hum days, not so ho-hum, you brought so many memorable moments into so many lives!! You will be greatly missed! Thank you for making High School quite memorable for.....Well.......Everyone!!! And thank you especially for getting me through my college math classes with patience, who knew?, and humor all the way!! Thank you!!! You made so many wonderful memories for so many people.You were a great friend, encourager, teacher!! Sending My love to Barbara, Krista and Bo
Frank Kavanaugh February 5, 2013
Tom taught me Algebra II and English III in my junior year at Byrne. He had a lasting effect on me in many ways. I still remember my research paper (on Thoreau). He not only allowed me to turn it in late and with only a rough draft, but when I told him I skipped class for most of the day to go to Pioneer Park to write it, he just smiled. He was responsible for my first job at the Port Arthur News as a sportswriter back in 1972. And, he probably more than any other teacher before college, is most responsible for me becoming a high school English teacher (28 years) -- and more importantly -- for displaying a sarcastic but joyful and encouraging attitude in the classroom. I thought of him often in my own teaching. I'm also glad to say I got to see him at the last Byrne all-classes reunion and was proud to tell him I became a teacher.
Peggy Villareal February 5, 2013
I loved Tom and will miss him so much.
Cheryl Tweedel Cole February 5, 2013
My prayers are with his family. As a friend of his sister, Jan I remember us pestering him. A tradition we continued when he refereed our senior powder puff games. Look out heaven!
Mary Casto February 5, 2013
Heaven is our greatest hope. Peace to Krista, Bo, and Barbara. We love y'all. Mary and Mike
Chuck Britten February 5, 2013
Coach Umphrey you will be dearly missed. You have definitely left your mark on hundreds of kids. RIP!
Ragan Edgerly February 5, 2013
I certainly have fond memories of Tom and can't help but always think of him with that little "smirk" that always had me wondering what he was really thinking. Thanks for being a very positive influence in my life. God speed Coach! Love & Prayers, Barbara, Krista & Bo.