Thomas "Tommy" Hidalgo

Opelousas – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Thomas “Tommy” Wayne Hidalgo, on Monday, October 31, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Opelousas.  Reverend Fr. Gregory Simien will conduct the Mass.  Rite of Committal and Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park.

It is with deep sorrow we regretfully announce the passing of Thomas Wayne Hidalgo, at 81, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.  He passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Tommy was born and raised in Opelousas, La.  He was employed by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Department for a total of 50 years.  During this time, he was part of the Posse, a deputy bailiff, paper server, a patrol officer and head of courthouse security for the St. Landry Parish Courthouse.  After retiring, he remained head of security for early voting in the courthouse.  He enjoyed being outdoors, deer hunting and training his horses.  Tommy was a simple man, who loved his family, his grandchildren, and the basics in life.  He and wife, Patty, were Eucharistic Ministers at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for many years.  In addition to giving in the church, his caring heart gave him the need to donate blood and generously gave ninety-six times.  On quiet days, you could find him hitting the open road on his Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle.  He loved collecting miniature vintage trucks and cars, and Budweiser steins to commemorate his time working for them as an office manager for 20 years.  Mostly, Thomas will be remembered for being a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He will forever be remembered and missed by his daughters, Leslie Hidalgo Vidrine and husband, James “Spanky” Vidrine, Jr. and Rhonda Hidalgo Conley; his sisters, Mary “Ruth” Hidalgo Sutton and Ola Belle “Teenie” Hood and husband, Gordon; his brothers, David “Byron” Hidalgo and wife, Linda and Ludrick P. Hidalgo and wife, Della and his sisters-in-law, Evelyn Hidalgo, Carleen Hidalgo and Carol Hidalgo.  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Natalie Vidrine, Nicholas Vidrine, Taylor Fruge and Brayden Conley.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Guillory Hidalgo; his parents, Elvin P. Hidalgo, Sr. and Ola Carroll Hidalgo; his brothers, Gene Edward Hidalgo, Sr., William Gary Hidalgo and Elvin “Bubba” P. Hidalgo.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas.  A Rosary will be prayed Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. by James “Spanky” Vidrine, Jr. and Rhonda Conley.  Visitation will continue Monday, October 31, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. in the Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas.  Prior to leaving for Mass, Patsy Jones, Baptist minister and beloved friend of Mr. Tommy and family will give a eulogy.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Traditions Health Hospice Care, especially Dr. Ramirez, Kim and Neecy, for their exceptional care they gave to Tommy.  They would also like to thank his in-home caregivers, Tammy, Rose, Mary, Sandra, Cynthia and Sissy.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.