Thomas James Young

Thomas James Young passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the age of 57. Tom had been hospitalized for over a year as he battled complex medical issues. He fought so very hard for the longest time, but he eventually grew weary and passed away just after transferring to “The Butterfly Wing” in Baton Rouge, LA. We take comfort in knowing that Tom is now free from pain and resting peacefully in Heaven. 

Tom was born on November 5, 1965 to Thomas Joseph Young and Linda Morvant Young. He was a native of Jennings, LA and spent most of his adult life as a resident of Houma, LA - up until a few years ago when he moved to New Iberia, LA. 

Tom is survived by his fiancé of several years, Sherri Stewart, who also served as his dedicated caregiver for the past year; his daughter, Haley and husband Lance Romero, together with their two daughters (Tom’s granddaughters); brother, Tony Young; sister, Cindy Hains; mother, Linda M. Young; and other extended family members. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Joseph Young. 

Tom worked offshore his entire adult life and on his days off, he enjoyed fishing, watching LSU & Saints football games, cooking, computer gaming and occasionally trying his luck on the slots at local casinos. Tom also formed an unlikely friendship with Sherri’s ESA - a very clever (and fat!) black cat named Gatsby. Tom claimed to not like cats, but Sherri caught him (on more than one occasion) sneaking Gatsby treats of tuna, sardines or vienna sausages…. They were buddies for sure! From the day Tom first became hospitalized back in September 2022 (over a year ago) all the way up until his recent passing, he never stopped telling people about “his” Gatsby, he asked Sherri about Gatsby’s well-being and latest funny antics on a regular basis and he even insisted on talking to Gatsby over speakerphone on the days that Sherri was at home with him! Tom always got a kick out of hearing Gatsby purring and rubbing his face on the phone. It was easy to see that the love was mutual because, for the first few months that Tom was in the hospital, Gatsby would either lay in Tom’s chair or walk around the house looking for him. Since Tom’s passing, Sherri has been comforted by Gatsby’s presence more than ever. He is able to keep her company as she begins adjusting to her new normal of being in the home she and Tom once shared - with him there with her. 

There will be no memorial per Tom’s wishes, but we’d like to leave you all with this this thought: 

“Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back on memories help comfort you tomorrow."