June 10, 1952 – March 17,2023
Thomas Ross Britt, 70, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Thomas was born June 10, 1952 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, the son of Thomas Edward Britt and Ruth Savage.
Thomas’ childhood was spent in the Red Star community in Mississippi and graduated from Loyd Star High School in 1970. He continued his studies at Copiah-Lincoln Jr. College in 1972 before serving a 2 year church mission in Japan. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi in 1976 and then received his PhD in physical organic chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg in 1981.
Thomas married his sweetheart, Jane Sheffield on October 18, 1977, in Washington D.C.
Thomas worked for Dow Chemical in Plaquemine, Louisiana as an Analytical Research Chemist from 1982- 2013 and then for BASF in Geismer, Louisiana from 2014-2020. During his career he acquired multiple patents in the field of chemistry.
He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved to serve others in the many different leadership positions and callings he held through the years.
Thomas was an avid reader and loved learning. He had a great joy for the art of photography. His greatest joy came from helping others and spending time with his children and grandchildren. His infectious smile and kind heart could always help others feel loved and valued.
Thomas is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Jane Britt of Denham Springs; his children Nathan Britt (Jill) of Denham Springs LA, Joshua Britt (Bradie) of Orlando FL, Matthew Britt (Sarah) of Heath TX, Daniel Britt of Clermont FL; his brother Jerry Britt (Sue) of Wesson MS; and 6 grandchildren Kaia, Gatlin, Gabriel (Matthew and Sarah), Drew, Presley, and Edward (Nathan and Jill).
He was preceded in death by his parents; Thomas Edward Britt and Ruth Savage Britt.
Visitations will be held on Thursday, March, 23, 2023 from 5:00-8:00pm at Seale Funeral Home (1720 South Range Denham Springs, LA 70726).
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (25367 Riverton Ave. Denham Springs, Louisiana 70726) with a visitation from 10:00 am-11:00am. There will be a brief graveside service and dedication of the grave at 3:00pm (2155 Mormon Trail NW Wesson, MS).
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the American Diabetes Association, Autism Speaks or The American Heart Association. Condolences may be offered at www.sealefuneral.com
9 comments
Tom Pettitt and family
March 23, 2023 at 1:29 am
It is with such deep sorrow I and my family feel for the loss of one of the best men I have known in my lifetime. Tom was a guiding light to my family as my children were attending and growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as Tom was serving as their bishop. You never really needed to listen too intently to a sermon Tom would deliver- just observe how he lived his life! I enjoyed just talking to him- what a brilliant man! I will never forget how the youth at church “thought”
they could beat the “older”men in a football game. We agreed to a show down and it was a hot sweaty game but the “old men” (me &Tom included) beat the “young men” ! Tom and I loved football and the young men said our winning was just luck! Tom asked them if they wanted to go again and give it another try! They said “sure” so we beat them pretty handily the second game!! Tom was fun to be around! He will be greatly missed by many- including me and my family. We love you Tom! Jane and family I know all too well how difficult this is- my family’s and my thoughts and sincere prayers are with you! God bless each of you.
Steve Erskine
March 22, 2023 at 5:30 pm
This picture truly represents the Tom Britt that I knew! Always smiling. Always even-tempered and joyful. He was an outstanding colleague with a great work ethic. I hated to see him go when he left Dow as he was a great technical resource that was always pleasant to talk to. Too soon to lose such a gentle soul.
Colleen Hill
March 22, 2023 at 2:57 pm
I think anybody who knew Tommy can never forget him. I know him because he married my sweet, sweet friend Jane so many years ago. He was just the right man for her. They were so great together. I remember his smile, his presence. I remember the time he gave me comfort in a stressful time in my life. Though it has been years since I have seen him, I will miss his presence on this earth. You are a special son of our Heavenly Father, Tommy Britt! My sincere love and prayers go to Jane and their loving family.
Kathy Farmer
March 22, 2023 at 3:54 am
He truly was a great man, his service to the Lord was apparent the whole time we knew him. His family was a top priority and he was easy to talk too. But for me he will be remembered for raising a son that makes my daughter and his children so happy. The Farmer Family will miss him dearly.
Leannah and Rick Baron
March 23, 2023 at 11:17 pm
Our hearts are heavy at the loss of Tom. We had hoped to have had N opportunity to visit with him and Jane again in person, but other obligations have kept us away. We pray for promised comfort to the Britt family. W
Lisa Phillips Allen
March 22, 2023 at 3:49 am
I’m so grateful for the time I spent as a Missionary many years ago in Denham Springs when Tom was the Bishop. I spent time in the Britt home getting to know him, Jane and their sons. What a wonderful family they are. I have stayed in touch with them after all these years and have enjoyed my conversations with Tom & Jane. What a stalwart Man, Tom is, he will definitely be missed. Sending my love from Idaho! ❤️
Lisa Allen
Julie G. Dojahn
March 21, 2023 at 4:54 pm
A wonderful, intelligent man with a very kind heart who was also a great scientist! It was my privilege to work with Tom on my many trips to Dow – Plaquemine in the mid-2000’s. We had interesting conversations, collaborated on a number of projects, and wrote several papers together. Tom and Jane came to Freeport a couple of times and my husband and I had dinner with them. He was a wonderful colleague and a dear friend. I miss you, Tom. May God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Frances Baron Larrabee
March 21, 2023 at 3:58 pm
Papa Tom as my sibs and I very dearly called him. I’m so grateful to have known this wonderful man, and for the wonderful influence he had in my life. He was like another Father figure to me growing up. He was my Bishop when I got baptized, and one of my stake presidency leaders in my teen years. His four sons were like brothers to me in my younger years. I feel blessed to have known such a great man. To all of the Britt family I send my love and deepest condolences.
Love,
Frances Baron Larrabee
David King
March 21, 2023 at 2:04 am
A very loved and well respected man right here. Someone I always looked up to growing up and a role model for the youth. I’m so glad I ran into Tom and got to talk to him this past week. A very heartfelt conversation with nothing but kind words. Brother Britt will be missed greatly.