Eulogy:
Hilton Joesph Thibodeaux
We are here today to honor the memory and celebrate the life of Hilton Joseph Thibodeaux, or as his friends called him Joe.  At the age of 59 Joe was called to be with our Lord and God after a brief but difficult battle with cancer.

Joe leaves his legacy behind in his two son's Jason and Zachary and his wife of 39 years Donna.  In his passing as in life Joe was surrounded by his mother, brothers, sisters, numerous other family members, friends and co-workers.
   
Joe's story started in a small town rich in Cajun heritage, Mamou, Louisiana on May, 20th 1955.  Joe was the oldest of son and one of 6 children born to Alcess Joseph or Jeff to his friends and Paralee Thibodeaux.  Joe spent his youth in southern Louisiana enjoying the outdoors and soaking up the Cajun culture that he was so proud of and we all knew him well for.  

Joe was a graduate of Eunice High School and went on to T.H Harris Technical school in Opelousas, LA.  Joe first met his future bride Donna Deville, his High School sweetheart while attending Emmanuel Baptist Church.  They attended multiple proms and homecomings together and eventually the high school sweetharts were wed.  Soon after they married the newlyweds moved to Texas where Joe worked in the petro-chemical industry.  

For the past 22 years Joe has provided for his family working for D&C Inspection services as a senior inspector in the supplier quality surveillance division.  The team at D&C explained that Joe had a methodical, exacting approach to his work and a unique eye for detail.  These qualities served Joe well in his inspection role.  His are big shoes to fill and he will be sorely missed by his co-workers and clients.  His manager Mr. Dan who for a time worked out of his home in Clear Lake fondly remembered Joe interacting with his children when he would stop by the office.  Dan observed, Joe never passing up the opportunity to hold a baby.  Perhaps that's the reason at 41 years of age and around the time Jason was graduating from high school God blessed Joe and Donna with a second child.
    
As a boy Joe loved to spend time with his family.  He was very close to his father and more often than not could be found by his side.  His sister Cheryl spoke warmly of a time in their younger years when she wanted to go hunting like her brothers.  She decided to ask Joe to take her.  Joe seemed to understand without being told that what she really wanted was to go for the experience, not necessarily to hunt.  Cheryl explained they walked off into the woods and soon found an old tree stump to sit on.  For the remainder of the day they simply fed the animals they came across.  That was just the kind of brother Joe was to me.  He was tender hearted and my happiness was important to him.

Joe was close to his parents, siblings and loved his family deeply.  Joe and Donna were almost inseparable and worked closely together in all of their endeavors.  This included raising their two sons Jason and Zachary as well as their leadership roles in Scouting. Joe was extremely proud of his son's and their achievements in life.  Jason a graduate of Texas State University, a successful and respected orchestra teacher at Church Hill High School in San Antonio, Texas.   Zachary who will soon graduate from Deer Park High School and attend Lamar College of Engineering in the fall.  Joe deeply believed in Scouting and the principles the program instilled in young men.  This was exemplified in the fact that both his sons earned their Eagle rank.  

In preparing for today a common theme from both Jason and Zachary was just what you would expect it to be of Joe's sons.  It was a reoccurring theme in Joe's life.  My father taught me to how to love, how to be strong, how to think for myself, that a man must lead by example and that most importantly family always comes first.

I first met the Thibodeaux's through Cub Scouts.  My son Andrew and Zachary are the same age and joined Cub Scouts when they were in the first grade.  Weekly meetings for our Pack were held in Joe and Donna's home in Deer Park.  Every week we could trust that we would be welcomed into a cheerful home, just like a longtime friend.  The boys would study the activities, plan trips to visit the fire station, city hall and various local landmarks.  They would typically work on a project of some type and then have a snack.  Early on I sometimes think the snack was their favorite part. 
 
Week in and week out no matter what else might be going on we were welcomed into the Thibodeaux's home.  To say Joe and Donna were dedicated to these boys, their families and the Scouting program is an understatement.  They freely volunteered countless hours of their time preparing for weekly meetings, award ceremonies, pinewood derbies, Blue and Gold ceremonies and the gaggle of energetic boys that came with them.  

Without realizing it we were all being taught a valuable lesson in life and the principles that enable boys to evolve into virtuous young men.  The kind of young men who understood what it means to be patriotic, who know wrong from right and have the life skills to succeed.  The principles were rudimentary in nature but not always or consistently on display in day to day life at home or school for many.  Our lesson in those days was simple.  Do your best.  Do your duty to God and County, help other people and obey the law of the pack.
  
Eventually this group of boys completed the ranks of Cub Scouting, earned their Arrow of Light and crossed over to Boy Scouts.  The culmination of the early years in Cubs was celebrated at a local park where we were to camp overnight.  

Campouts always excited Joe and this one being a special celebration involved an elaborate ceremony complete with Indians, drums, a flaming arrow that was to be shot from high in the branches of a tree and ignite a carefully planned bomb fire just after dark.  What boy, big or small does not like that?  Joe was in his element and I was finding a loyal friend who always seemed to prioritize his time to make sure to do the small things behind the scenes that impacted others the most. 
 
Having been through the different stages of parenthood with his oldest son Jason, Joe always seemed to have the bigger picture in view.  He often reminisced sharing stories of his previous scouting experiences and misadventures.  Additionally Joe made sure I understood what was on the horizon and that we were making memories which would carry us through for years to come. 
         
As the years rolled on Joe played a prominent role in Boy Scouts as an Assistant Scout Master in Troop 514 and with the Venturing program.  He attended many campouts and was a constant figure in the troop even after Zachary earned his eagle.  
Campouts while exciting for the boys can be a very anxious time.  For many of them this is their first time away from home.  The experience of sleeping in a tent, deep in the dark woods with strange noises all around can be a little overwhelming for some.  Joe who could sometimes be a stern leader when it meant keeping everyone on track, organized, and safe had a very tender side in these situations.  He would bring the boy around the campfire with the adults for a few laughs, a snack or a drink while they settled in.  Joe seemed to have a six sense for those boys who would benefit from a watchful eye, those who were not feeling well or required some type of medication.  He would often see me and say Jim watch out for so and so today.  He slipped and fell this morning or had a rough night last night. He may need a little extra attention today.

I remember waking up around 4:00 am one morning on a camping trip to find Joe under the big canopy with 20 plus boys making hot chocolate.  We had experienced a heavy downpour during the night and tents were leaking, boys were damp, cold and looking for the most part a bit nervous with a storm all around us.  His calm demeanor brought them back around and taught them a valuable lesson in the process.  Be brave, be helpful, be courteous to others in a time of need and most importantly stay calm.  
In summary Joe lived his life by the Scout oath and law:  If you are a Scout, have been in Scouts or are simply familiar with the words please rise and in honor of Hilton Joseph Thibodeaux repeat with me the Scout oath and Law:  

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. 

On my honor I will do my best 
To do my duty to God and my country 
and to obey the Scout Law; 
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, 
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Please be seated:

I will close with poem titled:
Letter from Heaven - Ruth Ann Mahaffey

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.
There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night....My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind; 
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.

Joe left behind a powerful legacy touching many lives and shaping your sons and many more young men for the future.  He will be missed but not forgotten.  We thank you Joe for your friendship and the memories!

Donna,
   We have fond memories of Joe in Boy Scouts.  He always made us laugh. May God's warm arms hold you tight during this time.

 Donna, Cassi and I are thinking of and praying for your family.  Cassi has many fond memories of Joe harassing her for breakfast in the mornings.  He will be greatly missed.  
Much love,

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Donna, Jason and Zach, we are so very sad to have heard of "Mr. Joes" passing.  May God Bless you all with the Peace and comfort of knowing that he is no longer in pain.  Mr. Joe left a mark on this world, one something special in everyone's heart who had the pleasure of knowing him.  Mr. Joe was a hard worker, devoted husband and dad, serious when he had to be! I will always remember his easy smile and funny attitude! I actually think that after 24+ years, I'm going to miss him greeting me with "Hey ugly!" :) my response of "Hey back uglier than me!" Donna and boys, these silly memories will help you through.. We love you all very much and are here if any of you need anything.  Please remember too that I don't think Mr. Joe would want you to be sad for very long..

 Peace Love & Happiness
Keely, Alan, Stevi & Carly Alsdorf

Praying for you and your family.
Jennifer Eggleston

We are so sorry for your loss. Joe will be greatly missed.  He did so much for Scouting and we appreciate all he did for Troop 514. I always knew I could count on him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

A good kind hearted man that was a friend to all and will be missed. We will all remember him when we dance.

Dear Donna, Jason and Zachary,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Joe was a good man in so many ways.  He was genuine and generous.  He had a great sense of humor and was a true friend.  We will miss him.  Please know that you are all in our prayers.

All of us who grew up at Emmanuel in Eunice are blessed.  We grew up as one big family of kids. Joe was part of our family.  I loved him like a brother. I will always have good memories of him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Our deer sweet Joe, such and ANGEL on earth is now an Angel in heaven. We will miss you dearly. Your gentleness and kindness will live on in our memories. A Gentle Giant soft spoken with a warm heart and a big smile. He made his mark in this world and he has earned his place in Heaven. We'll see you again Sweet Joe. Love Choe and family

Sometimes the right words to say just aren't there for a time like this.  I wish I could take away the pain, the grief and sadness but I cannot. I can tell you of the fun times we had camping with Joe and if you ever needed anything, he was there to help. He gave so much of his time to so many people and it was evident he was a great husband and father. He will be missed, that's for sure. Sending you love, and praying for God's peace during this time and the days to follow.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child.  My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

OBITUARY

Joe Thibodeaux

May 20, 1955 – February 25, 2015

Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park/Bethany Cemetery

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