Thomas Earl "Tom" Kopfler, Sr.

Thomas Earl “Tom” Kopfler, Sr passed peacefully on August 31, 2026. He was born on October 14, 1940 at Hotel Dieu Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Frederick Charles Kopfler, Sr and Blanche Hodges Kopfler and was raised in Amite. Tom graduated in 1958 from Amite High School, where he excelled at track and field. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1962, where he was also a member of the track and field team.

Tom proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His service included duty aboard the USS Tioga County (LST-1158), where he served as First Lieutenant, and later with Naval Command Systems Support Activity as a computer systems analyst, which led to an assignment at the Pentagon. He ultimately attained the rank of Lieutenant and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged in 1969.

After his military service, Tom worked at the Smithsonian Institution on a taxonomy research grant before beginning his career with the United States Department of Agriculture at Michoud, where he worked as a computer systems analyst and programmed mainframe computers. Once retired, Tom returned to his roots in Amite, where he and his beloved late wife, Sandy, created their own slice of paradise and found a close-knit community whose kindness, sincerity, faith, and spirit of service enriched their lives immeasurably.

Tom was a man of unwavering moral conviction who was sincere, conscientious, humble, and possessed an extraordinary work ethic. He put his faith into action through service to others. He served as a lector at St. Dominic Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, making countless home visits to families in need.

Tom had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the natural world. He loved gardening, growing daylilies, and meticulously tending and manicuring his land. At times he could be found studying the migration patterns of birds flying over his yard, sometimes knowing where they were going before they did. The quiet hours he spent working outdoors gave him time for prayer, reflection, and contemplation.

An avid outdoorsman, he shared his love of the outdoors with his children, taking them fishing in his boat, crabbing, hunting, and beachcombing countless times over the years. He spoiled his family's palate with his cooking—particularly his gumbo, jambalaya, fried fish, and boiled crawfish—and we have been comparing all versions to his ever since. He was the undisputed Boggle champion, and the spirited family games became cherished occasions that brought his children together.

His faith and his family meant everything to him.

He is survived by his daughters: Michelle (Mike) Lincoln, Lin (Andrea) Di Gennaro, Katie Glover, and Katherine (Cesario) Kopfler; his grandchildren: Lucy, Lola, and Aida Di Gennaro and Wyatt Kopfler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra Jean “Sandy” Kopfler; his brothers, Robert Michael “Bobby” Kopfler and Frederick Charles “Fred” Kopfler, Jr; and his son, Thomas Earl “Tommy” Kopfler, Jr.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, 110 E. Factory St., Amite, Louisiana, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 620 Third St., Independence, Louisiana, on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Reuben Dykes officiating.

A graveside service will follow at Amite Cemetery, 106 S. Duncan Ave., Amite, Louisiana.