Thomas Hugh Gachet

Tom graduated in 1960 from the University of Alabama with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. As a proud alumnus, he was a passionate Alabama football fan from his college days to his passing. After graduating he honorably served in the Alabama National Guard. In July of 1961 upon his honorable discharge, Tom married his beloved wife Judy Reeves in Birmingham.

Making their home in Birmingham, Tom embarked on his career as a Civil Engineer. He served as President and Civil Engineer for Paragon Engineering from 1968 to 2004. In 1973 he was named Birmingham Young Engineer of the Year and cited for his work on the design and construction of the Alabama International Speedway in Talladega. He was a long-standing member of the American Society of Engineers and was recognized for his ethical and professional standards.

Central to Tom’s life was his devotion to his faith in Christ and his family. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He took great joy in his children and guided his family through his faith with encouragement, understanding, and unconditional love. He was equally devoted to his family in faith. He and his wife Judy have been active members of Lakeside Baptist Church for 50-plus years. He served his church community in a number of ways including being a deacon, a beloved Sunday School teacher, and a member of a number of church committees. He had a passion for missions and founded a chapter of Carpenters for Christ at Lakeside where he participated in the completion of more than 40 projects. He was also very involved with Disaster Relief.

In addition, Tom enjoyed traveling and made excursions all across the United States as well as internationally. He enjoyed capturing the wonders and beauty of the natural world through photography.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years Judy Gachet, their children, Randy Gachet (Patpat), Melissa Porter (Michael), and grandchildren Reeves Gachet, Sydney Porter, and Sophie Porter.

He is preceded in death by his parents Hugh Chalmers Gachet and Mary Olive Gachet, as well as, his two sister’s Francis Kirkland and Elizabeth Moseley.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Right at Home and particularly the loving care provided by caregivers Misty Woods, Nina White, Tracye Moore, and Kathy Fassina, as well as, the nurses of Affinity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to GuideStone’s Mission: Dignity, guidestone.org.