Erol Thibodeaux
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Erol John Thibodeaux, 59, Columbia, MO, passed away August 16, 2012 at his home in Columbia following a lengthy illness. Erol was born on October 25, 1952, in Gueydan, Louisiana.
He graduated from Midland High School in Midland, Louisiana and joined the Air Force, serving for four years during the Vietnam era. Erol was studying nursing at LSU in Alexandria, LA when he found his calling, photography. He subsequently owned and operated Photographs by Erol Thibodeaux with his wife, Emelie, in Alexandria, for the next 25 years.
Erol spent the last seven years of his life in Columbia, traveling, teaching yoga, and enjoying retired life.
Survivors include his wife, Emelie and daughter Sadie Jane, his mother Eula Mae Thibodeaux, three sisters, Roberta Sonnier, Peggy Fruge and Marie Harris, as well as one brother, Irving Thibodeaux.
A memorial will be held at a later date to celebrate his life.
Emelie, I can just feel both your hugs as I write! Please feel our hug and know our prayers are for you and Sadie. What a blessing to have bumped into you two not so long ago here in Alexandria! How special you all are. Erol was not only a special gift to our area in his creative and professional life–but a special gift to our family. How wonderful to have so many of his photos to remember his giftedness. The picture in the paper was wonderful of him. Captured his loving presence. I lost my dad this year. I have so comforted to look back and see the many pictures of his rich and vital, and loving life. May God comfort you all during this transitional grief time. All our love–Jim and Vicki David
Oh Emelie and Sadie–I saw Erol’s picture in the paper this morning and was so sad and a whole flood of memories came back of carpools–I think to piano lessons– and the girls playing together and all those occasions at Montessori. And Erol’s witty humor about everything going on around him. He always used to make me laugh. The last photograph Erol took of Caroline was in your elegant parlor and it is in our living room–our favorite of her. Albin joins me in sending sympathy. Love, Susan Provosty
What a wonderful gifted man the world has lost! Erol never met a stranger and quickly became friends with all he touched. He was a great photographer because he loved people and had a way of making us all feel comfortable – all he had to do was smile!! Erol, you fought the good fight, now rest in peace!!!
Brenda Ray-Perow
One of the Founders of
Krewe of Alexandra
Alexandria, LA
Dear Emelie and Sadie,
I am so saddened to tears! You all meant so much to me. Please know you are with me in prayers and much sympathy. I will never forget the kindness you both showed me and the fun we had!
I love you! Joyce
Emelie, Sadie and Mrs. Eula Mae, My deepest sympathy for your great loss. We have such pleasant memories of Erol and each of you. I enjoy Erol’s beautiful work daily. I know you will miss this beautiful husband, father and son.
Many menories go back to Brasher Elem. also.
Hugs to each of you,
Love and Prayers,
Linda & Muriel Gauthier
Dear Emelie and Sadie,’
I was so saddened to learn of Erol’s passing. So many people loved him and appreciated his wonderful photographic talents, leaving for us the wonderful memories of our children’s wedding. You photographed the weddings of both my son, Claes Rossby and daughter Karin Rossby Uhlig. Erol’s departure will certainly be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to you both.
I am so sorry for your lost I just found out about his passing and I will keep y’all in my prayers. Erol was a sweet guy in school and we did our share of cutting up on the bus. Got so many memories back in our school days and living in mermentau cove. RIP Erol
Emily & Sadie:
This is to express our deepest sympathies for your loss. Erol was always so kind and gentle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. – Sam Giordano & Family; Camille Giordano & Family
Emelie & Sadie
I was told yesterday of Erol’s passing. I am so sad. My heart goes out to you all. Erol was a special person, for the little time I knew him. I think of him and remember his welcoming and shining smile, his open and giving presence. I think of him often and try to resemble his hospitality and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you and your daughter.
Love,
Susan Stevison
emelie i was so saddened to hear of erol. he was a good friend and i enjoyed knowing him. please leet me know when the memorial will be held.
may you be blessed
with love rad.
Emelie, I am so sorry to hear about Erol’s passing. He was a wonderful blessing to Alexandria and I have do doubt his wonderful personality and spirit, as well as his special creative gifts, touched many lives after he left. I hope it comforts you and Sadie to think of how many wonderful and special moments in time Erol captured for so many families in this area, including mine. There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t see a photo of Hannah or Jarrod and think of you and Erol. I’m sure it is the same for so many people who were blessed to have their photo taken by Erol. For 13 years, our annual photo sessions with Erol always left me with a happy heart and a smile on my face. The last photo he took was for my 40th birthday and I thought of Erol when Hannah took my 50th birthday photos this year. Erol was a true master of the art of photography before digital – at a time when it took an abundance of talent and to take a great photo! A collage of Erol’s best photos of Jarrod from birth to the age he was when Erol retired remains on my desk to this day! We will be thinking of you on the 27th as you celebrate Erol’s life! Regina, Hannah & Jarrod