Jan. 12, 1934Aug. 4, 2025
Funeral services for Tommy James Gaulden, 91, of Fairview Alpha, LA will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church with Bro. Olan McLaren officiating and Bro. Chad Peterson assisting.
Military graveside honors will follow in Goldonna Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.
Mr. Gaulden went to be with his Lord and Savior, free of pain and suffering of his earthly life on Aug. 4, 2025. He was born Jan. 12, 1934, in Fordyce, AR.
After proudly serving his country in the US Marine Corp, he attended college, taught school, raised a family, and worked for many years as a chemist in the paper industry. In 2007, he was blessed to marry his beloved wife Mary and was immediately “adopted” into her large and loving family; affectionately known as “Papa T” and was able to be a part of its growth.
Some of his greatest joys were watching baseball, collecting rocks, telling stories and silly jokes; especially, being with the children in his family celebrating holidays and their accomplishments together. Throughout his years, he also immensely enjoyed visiting National Parks. His kindness, generosity and quiet faith touched the loves of many people, and he will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Altha Gaulden; first wife, Norma Tucker Gaulden; four brothers and six sisters.
Mr. Gaulden is survived by his wife, Mary Gaulden; children, Lilah Modlin and husband Norman of Manassas, VA, Stan Gaulden of Irving, TX, Jill Pepper and husband Max of Fairview Alpha, LA, and Julie Dieter and husband Bobby of Goldonna, LA; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Clint Pepper, Matthew Pepper, Chris Modlin, Wayne Rachal, Sloan Dieter, Kevin Berly, Austin Bledsoe and Matt Aton. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Dieter, Max Pepper, Calvin Mundy, Michael Williams and Norm Modlin.
Memorials may be made to Goldonna Cemetery Fund or Shriners Children’s Hospital.