Thomas Alton Self of Leesville, Louisiana passed
away Monday, July 1, 2019 at the age of 87. Tom was born near Ouiska Chitto Creek in Vernon Parish on December 16, 1931 to Ola Mae (Cryer) Self and Thomas Jefferson Self. He graduated from Anacoco High School in 1950 and went on to LSU, where he
served as student body president from 1953-54.
After completing his undergraduate degree at LSU in 1954, Tom attended law school at New York University for a year under the prestigious Root-Tilden Scholarship before leaving to serve two
years as a US Army Lieutenant. During his service in Mineral Wells, Texas, Tom met and married Betty Joyce (Wester) Self. After their marriage, Tom and Betty returned to Baton Rouge where he completed his law degree at LSU in 1959.
Upon
graduation, Tom began his legal career in Many, Louisiana, where he became Assistant District Attorney, and later served as District Attorney. Tom returned to Vernon Parish after founding Liberty Federal Savings and Loan in 1976. He served as
president for several years before returning to his law practice. He maintained an active practice in Leesville for many years and was well-known and respected by colleagues and members of the community.
Over the years, Tom was a devout
spiritual leader in his home communities, serving as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Many and as a church leader and head of the cemetery committee at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco. He was a devoted and loving spouse, father, grandfather
and great-grandfather.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife Betty after 51 years of marriage and by his parents Thomas and Ola Mae Self.
He is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law: Claiborne Self and wife Cindy,
Randall Self and wife Amy, David Self and wife Rosemary; his six grandchildren: Christopher Self and wife Alyssa, Michael Self and wife Rebecca, Brandon Self and wife Ellion, Dr.Kristen Self Morvant and husband Alex, Ryan Self and Brooke Self; and
his four great-grandchildren: Beau, Rosalie, Izabella and William Self.
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, July 5, at Jeane Funeral Services, 100 E. Union Street, Leesville, LA. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM at Good
Hope Baptist Church, with graveside services to follow at the Good Hope cemetery, 774 Good Hope Road, Anacoco, LA.
Pallbearers will be Claiborne Self, Randall Self, David Self, Christopher Self, Michael Self, Brandon Self, Walker Wright
and Mike Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Self and Carl Self.