Thomas Charles Proctor

Thomas Charles Proctor

Covington, LA

Thomas Charles Proctor, age 74, passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2025, after a decade long fight with Parkinson’s. Born to Richard and Martha Proctor in 1949, Tom practically lived in the pool at the Cedar Rapids Country Club in Iowa during his childhood years. He gained popularity and admiration from his community through his prowess on the Washington High School swim team, earning multiple All-American honors. Some of his swimming records still stand in Iowa’s Swimming Hall of Fame today. These accomplishments led to Tom receiving an athletic scholarship to the University of Arkansas before starting his career in medical sales and moving to Louisiana.

It was there that Tom met Julie, his future wife of 40 years, at local New Orleans hotspot Que Sera in 1978. Their love story was fated, having grown up only two hours away from each other as children in Iowa and Minnesota, but not meeting until they were both adults in their late 20s in the Crescent City. They enjoyed the simple things in life until they got married in 1984 and moved into their forever home in Mandeville, located 30 miles north of New Orleans on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

Tom and Julie welcomed their son, Brent, in 1986, and daughter, Brooke, in 1991. Tom was an involved parent, often attending his children’s activities as passionate spectator and unofficial coach. His children share that he passed on not just genetic disposition toward athletics, but personal traits and strong values that will live on for generations to come. Tom was big-hearted, determined, had a strong work ethic, and was family-focused. He was known for being bold, loyal, and compassionate. Tom’s humor and energy was contagious; he truly was the life of the party and he didn’t mind pushing people outside their comfort zone to bring a smile to their faces. He kept the bar high, and his children made him proud.

In his personal life, Tom was full of life, and “lived life loud”. He had a passion for American muscle cars and loved showing off his 1969 Dodge Dart. His love of swimming continued throughout his life and competed until he was in his sixties as part of the traveling “Over the Hill Gang” of former teammates and dear friends. Tom faced his final illness bravely as a fighter, with his family by his side until the end. Ever the love of his life, his wife Julie reflected that love lies in the small acts of togetherness, just the simple day to day life. Tom lived a rich, vibrant life full of adventures, people he cared deeply about, and those small family moments of togetherness.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Julie Kjome Proctor, daughter Brooke, son Brent and his wife Holly Proctor and his beloved three-year-old granddaughter, Tess. He is also survived by his brother Richard and his wife Ilyn.

At Tom’s request, there will be no funeral service, but a Celebration of Life announced at a later date.