Thomas Alexander Bolton

“Family and friendships are two of the greatest facilitators of happiness.” ~ John C. Maxwell

Thomas Alexander “Tommy” Bolton was born in New Orleans on August 14, 1949, and died at his home in Natchitoches, surrounded by his loving family on August 3, 2024. He was preceded in death by his children Rebecca Blayne Bolton and Alexander Wade Bolton, his parents Roscoe Alexander Bolton and Lurlene Blackwood Bolton, his grandparents Roscoe Conkling Bolton and Merle Martin Bolton, and his father-in-law Brown Dossett.

He is survived by his beloved wife Amié Dossett Bolton; his children Thomas Alexander Bolton, Jr. (Chanel), Jennifer Bolton Loup (Mark), Emilie Amié Steinberg (Ethan), J. Marshall Jones (Tyler), and Peyton Alexander Bolton (Reagan); his grandchildren Brett Alexander Bolton, Andrew Thomas Bolton, Ethan Alexander Loup, Emma Alexandra Loup, Peyton Alexander Bolton, Daniel Cole Mack, Ally Madison Bolton Mack, Ella Amié Steinberg, Lily Margaret Steinberg, Oliver Brown Steinberg, Adger James Steinberg, Piper Emilie Jones, Dossett Anne Jones, Jolie Pecora Jones, and Navy James Jones; his sister, Suzanne Bolton Mellor (Robert); his mother-in-law Barbara Bienvenu Dossett; his brothers-in-law Brown Dossett, II (Jane) and Dr. Andrew Dossett (Natalie); and his sister-in-law Michelle Dossett.

His family moved to Alexandria, LA when he was an infant. Tommy grew up there, fully immersing himself in his community through his childhood, teenage, and young adult years. He attended Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana College in Pineville, and the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce of the University of Pennsylvania. After school, he returned to Alexandria and began his career at Alexander & Bolton Insurance, where he retired as president in 2008. During his career, he was also involved in numerous civic and social organizations, including being a long-time sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a founder of Alexandria Country Day School, and a member of the Cenla Bassmaster Club, the Alexandria Golf & Country Club, and the Alexandria Rotary Club, where he served as its youngest president in 1978-79.

In 1992, Tommy moved to Natchitoches with his bride and soulmate, Amié, and they began their blissful life on Cane River. They quickly made friends and found that the friendly, relaxed, and easygoing lakeside lifestyle suited them perfectly. He took a lengthy break after he retired and spent time with Amié renovating their home, perfecting their yard, and traveling, often to visit grandchildren and other family members throughout the United States. After several years, he and Amié decided to ease back into a work routine, and in 2022 they opened Counter Culture, a sandwich, salad, and yogurt shop.

Tommy loved adventure and excitement, and his hobbies included traveling, boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, skydiving, golfing, scuba diving, riding ATVs, and watching nail-biting football games or rousing golf matches. However, nothing could compete with the sheer pleasure he took in gathering friends and family for an evening of good food, good wine, and lively conversation. He had an unrivaled talent for outdoor cooking and an innate ability to entertain with an air of barefoot elegance. Everyone felt comfortable, at ease, and full of eager anticipation as Tommy held court while serving platters of ribs and chicken or deftly slicing his famous whole ribeye roast. The camaraderie, laughter, and merriment lasted for hours. The love, affection, and friendship lasted a lifetime.

Services are under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday, August 8, from 4:00 until 6:00 with a memorial service beginning at 6:15. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy’s grandchildren.

Tommy had a huge heart and he held a special place in it for animals. He was a fierce animal advocate, and in addition to adopting numerous homeless cats and dogs through the years, he worked with and supported animal rescue groups. Those who wish to honor his memory may do so by donating to FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals), P.O. Box 2552, Natchitoches, LA 71457 (https://www.npfauna.org/donate/), or to a cause of their choice.