Paul Thomas LaPoint, affectionately known to his family as "Popo Tommy," passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the age of 92.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Reverend Mikel Polson will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery. 

A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the procession departs for the church. A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 AM.

Thomas was born on February 12, 1934, in Kaplan, Louisiana, to Icgular LaPointe and Amy Simon LaPointe. He lived in Kaplan for most of his life, until moving into assisted living in 2021.

A quiet, hardworking man, Thomas spent his career working for Gulf States Utilities. He enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and, in his younger years, grafting citrus trees. He took great pride in his Acadian ancestry and loved sharing family stories and memories.

Cajun French was Thomas's first language, and when he began school, he did not speak English. Like many Cajun children of his generation, he was punished for speaking French in school. Despite this, he never lost his love for his native language and continued to enjoy conversations in Cajun French throughout his life.

Thomas was also a man who was never in much of a hurry, especially behind the wheel. For many years, he drove a 1964 Ford pickup with a column-shift transmission, taking his time wherever he went. His coworkers at Gulf States Utilities affectionately nicknamed him "the Kaplan Flash," a humorous tribute to his famously unhurried driving style.

Thomas enlisted in the United States Army in July 1953 and completed basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. He served during peacetime in Japan, arriving overseas in September 1954. While stationed in Nagoya, he held the rank of Specialist Third Class and was assigned to Battery B of the 76th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. Before his military service, he attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute.

While he was away in the military, a special love story began back home. Mary Lezida "Liz" Manceaux worked with his grandmother at a local confectionery. Thomas wrote letters to his grandmother, who could not read, and Liz would read the letters aloud to her. Thomas and Liz were later introduced, beginning a loving relationship that led to 53 years of marriage, until Liz's passing in 2012.

Thomas was a devoted father to four children: Bernardine Hebert (Marion), Dr. Paul LaPoint (Shera), Elizabeth Viator (Chris), and Paulette Gaspard (Allen). He was also the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

His Catholic faith was important to him, and he believed strongly in providing his children with a Catholic education at Maltrait Memorial Catholic School.

Thomas was especially proud to have served as a genetic witness, with his DNA helping law enforcement solve two important cases. This contribution was another meaningful part of the legacy he leaves to his family.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lezida "Liz" Manceaux LaPoint, and his sister, Mary Ann LaPointe Harrington.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, devotion to family, pride in his Acadian heritage, and the stories and traditions he passed down through generations. His gentle manner, unhurried ways, and enduring love for his family will remain treasured memories for all who knew him.

All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.