Tom Roberts

“Papi” Thomas Lafayette Roberts,76, died at home in Nacogdoches on Monday, January 17, 2022 (BWBD).  While we are stunned and heart-broken from this loss, we know he is celebrating in heaven with a King’s feast!  

An avid outdoorsman, “Big Tommy” grew up in the bayous and creeks of Louisiana with a love of the land and the Lord.  He was a longtime traditional bow-hunter and built a respectable collection of arrowheads from across the world.  He loved fishing on Toledo Bend with Uncle Bubba.  He taught the grandkids to “noodle” for catfish and loved loading the live-well with a good catch of sac-a-lait (crappie) with his buddies.

Tom was born Groundhog’s Day (February 2nd) 1945. He was the youngest son of Louise Roberts of Baton Rouge, LA and D.L. Roberts of Denham Springs, LA (both deceased). He is survived by his sisters, Pat (& Dick) Thevenot of Baton Rouge, LA and Betty Roberts of Ohio along with many extended family members.

He loved Jody and their girls and enjoyed living closer to them in Texas later in life: Leisha (& Steve) Bryant of Nacogdoches and Amberr (& Eric) Melo of Nederland.  He was most proud of his 5 OUTSTANDING grandchildren – Blake Melo of Dallas, JD Bryant of College Station, Bailey Jo Melo of Fort Worth, Jordan Bryant and Jeep Bryant of Nacogdoches.

He served our country in the Army and enjoyed a good military or senior discount when available.  He had the heart of a teacher and began as a high school biology teacher in 1969.  He dedicated his 50+ year career to sharing his love for industrial hygiene and safety in private industry and later as an instructor through affiliations with Texas A&M, University of Texas, Oklahoma State University, Lamar University, Louisiana State University, federal agencies and corporations. 

Retiring in Nacogdoches brought him closer to his daughters and his camp at Toledo Bend.  He counted his friends from Oak Grove Baptist Church senior Sunday school class as family and loved being part of the packaging team at Spirit Outfitters with Selina and Kayli.   

Like any good Coonass - he enjoyed a good meal, time with family and always had a story to share (and a recipe or 3).  From this love came Daddy’s Seasonings.  What started with Tom and a recipe he carried in his wallet for more than 60 years has grown to include his daughters, 5 grandchildren, spouses and friends.  He always loved traveling to tradeshows and markets spreading his joy of flavors and food.  You knew when you met “Daddy”.  

There will be a memorial service from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM in the Old Sanctuary of Mosaic Church on Sunday, January 30, 2022. 

Save the date - details to follow:

Please join us for a memorial reception to honor the life of Tom Roberts.

Come visit, share stories and remember the good times with Tom (aka Papi, Dad, Daddy, Big Tommy...).

Additionally, the family invites you to celebrate Papi's life at his favorite fishing hole - his camp house - on Toledo Bend. Papi's party will be held on

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Bring your tall tales and most reminiscent spirit.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tom Roberts, please visit our floral store.