Donald T. Toups' Obituary
DONALD TOUPS died in the early morning of January 2, 2014, from complications related to pneumonia. Donald is survived by his three children, Elizabeth, Maria, and Don, and their families; a brother, Carl Toups; a brother in law, Dalton Comeaux; and the children of his eight siblings.
Donald was born in Raceland. After serving for two years in the U.S. Army and receiving a B.A. in Mathematics from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Donald began teaching math at Raceland High School, and soon afterward met his wife to be, Marian Cocke. Marian was an immigrant to Houma from North Louisiana and had studied internationally (Chicago and Mexico), and was unlike anyone Donald had met in Raceland, Baton Rouge, or Houma. Donald and Marian were married from 1959 until Marian’s death, a week before his own.
Following receiving a M.S. in Math and a Masters in Education from Louisiana State University, Donald spent most of his career teaching math at Nicholls State University. He was appreciated by students and colleagues alike for his ability to present and explain complex math concepts.
Donald was a dedicated husband and father who made sacrifices throughout his life so that his wife and children could have the experiences, education and material things they needed and wanted. Until the last day Donald and Marian were together, throughout Marian’s decline due to Alzheimer’s disease, Donald spent most of every day by Marian’s side holding her hand, talking with her, and telling her about the world and the events happening in their children’s lives.
Donald’s children learned much from him regarding commitment to family and loved ones. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren, and other family and friends who knew him and loved him.
A joint memorial service will be held for Donald and Marian Toups at St. John's Episcopal Church in Thibodaux, at 11:00 a.m. on March 15, 2014. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Nicholls State University. More information is available at http://www.nicholls.edu/development/.
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