Thomas Wayne “Tom” Loe, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on June 22, 2026. Tom was born on May 23, 1949, in Ruston, Louisiana, to Thomas Alexander Loe, Jr. and Dorothy Nell Allison Loe, both of whom preceded him in death.
Raised in Arcadia, Louisiana, Tom quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete. At Arcadia High School, he participated in all sports, earning All-State honors in football and baseball, and was named Mr. Arcadia High School during his senior year. His athletic abilities became the stuff of local legend. On one memorable occasion, when the school’s high jumper failed to appear for a track meet, Tom was asked to fill in despite having little experience in the event. He not only won the competition but set a school record in the high jump that day—a fitting example of his determination, natural talent, and commitment to giving his very best in everything he did.
Following high school, Tom was recruited to play football at Louisiana State University and was red-shirted after playing his freshman year with the Tigers. While at LSU, he met the love of his life, Pamela O’Neal (“Pam”), beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades. He continued his education at Louisiana Tech University, where he studied forestry and began building the foundation for a remarkable professional career.
Tom’s career in the oil and gas industry spanned decades and took him around the globe. He began with Southern Natural Exploration (SONAT), working both offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and in onshore operations as part of the Offshore Production Group. Through hard work, technical expertise, and leadership, he advanced to Drilling Supervisor for both onshore and offshore operations. In 1982, he joined Occidental Oil and Gas (Oxy) as a Drilling Supervisor, and in 1989 became a Drill Site Manager for Oxy International. Throughout the remainder of his distinguished career, Tom oversaw drilling operations in numerous countries around the world, earning multiple company awards and recognition for record-setting performance and operational excellence.
While Tom achieved tremendous professional success, his greatest joy was found outside of work. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, shooting, gun collecting, and reloading. Few things made him happier than spending a day on the water with a good friend and a fishing rod in hand. Known for his attention to detail and perfectionist nature, Tom approached every endeavor with dedication and excellence, whether in the field, at work, or at home.
Tom was a man who loved life and loved people. He was known for his mischievous spirit as a young man, often keeping his sister Peggy on her toes with a steady stream of pranks and practical jokes. He worked hard, laughed often, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those around him. His commitment to hard work, loyalty to friends, and unwavering devotion to his family defined the man he was.
Above all, Tom was a devoted family man. He shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Pamela Susan Loe. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and enduring love. He was a proud father to his son, Thomas Wayne Loe, Jr. (“Tommy”); a beloved father-in-law to Kimberly Loe; and a deeply cherished grandfather to Thomas Alexander Loe III (“Alexander”), as well as grand-dog Bailey, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy McCoy, along with husband Jerry McCoy, as well as numerous extended family members and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Tom was fortunate to be loved and respected by so many throughout his life. His legacy will no doubt live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He gave unconditionally of himself to others, and while his presence will be deeply missed, the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the memories he created will continue to bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 AM. Officiating the service will be Rev. Doug de Graffenried. Interment will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery in the Bryceland community south of Arcadia, Louisiana. Pallbearers for the service will be Alexander Loe, Jeremy Haddox, Daniel Halbert, Zach Halbert, Reed Allison, and Randy Allison. Honorary Pallbearers include Doug Haddox, Bruce Cowan, John Corley, Ronny Graham, William Colvin, Johnny Durrett, and Stanley Read. Organist will be Micky Cloud and Soloist will be Marissa Nugent.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. William Sanders, Tom’s longtime primary care physician, and to Dr. Tharwat Ghattas, MD, along with his devoted nurse, Rebecca Hood, for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided throughout Tom’s illness.
The family also extends its sincere appreciation to the dedicated caregivers and staff of Elara Caring Hospice and Touched By An Angel Personal Caregivers for their kindness, compassion, and support during Tom’s final journey.
The family will forever be grateful to all who cared for Tom with dignity, respect, and love. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Trinity Methodist Church and MD Anderson Cancer Center in support of cancer research and patient care.
