THOMAS GENE EDEN: July 16, 1945—August 8, 2024
Thomas Gene Eden passed away on August 8, 2024, at Essentia Hospital in Duluth MN, following a courageous 4-year battle with cancer.
Tom was the third child of Guy and Ruby Anderson Eden, born on July 16, 1945, in Bryan TX. Tom and his siblings, Wanda, Travis, and Larry, lived a simple life, rarely traveling far from home. Tom often shared that when he started grade school, he was so shy his teacher had to bring his older brother into the classroom to get him to talk. This would be shocking to anyone who later knew him.
Tom graduated from Stephen Austin High School in Bryan in 1963. As he phrased it, after flunking out at Texas A&M, he “won an all-expenses-paid trip to Vietnam.” He joined the Army, completed flight school, and shipped off to Chu Lai in 1969 as a helicopter pilot.
After his military service, Tom settled in Lafayette LA, where he worked for 38 years at Petroleum Helicopters Inc., flying offshore oil platform support in the Gulf of Mexico. His last assignment was as lead pilot at the heliport in Grand Isle LA. During this time, Tom became a pioneer in on-line dating, meeting the love of his life, Pam Wakefield, whom he married in 1998. That same year, Tom moved to Duluth to be with Pam and commuted to Louisiana until his retirement in 2011. Tom also continued his education, proudly completing his degree in industrial studies at what was the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette.
Tom’s passion was singing and playing Bluegrass music on his D-28 guitar. With his Texas accent, high notes, sense of humor, and a natural need to entertain, Tom put his own unique touch on every song he sang. It was difficult to keep him away from a microphone. For years, Tom was a regular at Sir Ben’s on Wednesday night jams.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his biggest fan, his loving wife, Pam; stepsons Michael and Eric Haugen; daughter-in-law Dawn Haugen; grandchildren Jennie, Megan, Jessie, Kyle, and Jaime, as well as Pam’s extended family. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews in Texas and Tennessee.
Tom cherished and nurtured many deep, lasting friendships, some from childhood and others formed throughout his life. He leaves them unconditional love, treasured memories of endless humor, a multitude of jokes, and aching hearts.
Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Duluth. A celebration of life is being planned.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, those wishing to express their condolences may consider making a gift to their charity of choice.
Phil Cox
Tommy was a perfect example of quietness and niceness. He was talented with his bluegrass music too.
Carol Harvey (Murphy)
Tommy was such a kind, gentle man. I remember him very fondly.
Carol HARVEY Murphy
Fred Cronk
Sorry to hear about Tommy Eden. He was my first contact when I left Crockett 6th grade (after moving from Minnesota) to Bryan. I was lost in Lamar 7th Grade, but Tommny and Bob Mousner showed me the way to navigate the halls, room changes, etc.
Great friends all the way through SFA!
Yankee Convert
Charlotte Cole (Wilson)
Tommy was a dear friend from the first grade to the 12th. We were in lots of classes together and if you had told me back at Travis that one day he would enjoy singing on the stage, I would have said "NO WAY". Not quiet little Tommy, BUT, I was pleasantly surprised at our 50th when he volunteered to seranade us all. It was great getting to reconnect with him and to meet Pam. We had a great time sharing memories and enjoyed emailing back and forth since our reunion. Never got to meet up again, though, which I regret.