OGDEN UNDERWOOD THOMAS, JR.

Ogden Underwood Thomas, Jr., loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in Lafayette on May 27, 2025 at the age of 80.
Ogden is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Morella Thomas; his daughter, Michele Thomas Boustany and her husband, Ron Boustany of Lafayette, his son, Scott Anthony Thomas and his wife, Dominique Besse Thomas of Patterson. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Gracie Boustany Barnidge and her husband, Beau; Sarah Michele Boustany, Thomas George Boustany, Ross Jacob Thomas and Rhett Underwood Thomas, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ogden U. Thomas, Sr.; his mother, Dorothy Garvin Thomas; his brother, William “Bill” Thomas; his mother-in-law, Marie Armato Morella and his father-in-law Anthony S. Morella and his brother-in-law, J.P. Morella.
Serving as pallbearers are Thomas Boustany, Ross Thomas, Rhett Thomas, Ron Boustany, Bill Thomas and Beau Barnidge. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Cecil Hernandez, Anthony “Chip” Morella, Robert Morella, J.W. McCann, Tim McCann, Chris Rhodes, and Marvin “Pete” Strawder, Sr.
Ogden had a very successful career in the marine transportation business providing offshore supply vessels to the global oil and gas industry. He started his career in 1969 working for Seahorse, Inc. based in Morgan City, LA, when Seahorse operated 15 vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. In his 17 years with Seahorse, he held various management positions in Administration, Operations and Marketing, eventually becoming President in 1976 until the sale of the company to Zapata Gulf in 1986. Under his leadership at Seahorse, he was instrumental in growing the Seahorse fleet to over 100 vessels operating worldwide in countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mexico, where he spent much of his time and formed numerous lifelong business and personal relationships. Although Ogden was committed to his business travel which included over 40 countries during his career, he never missed a birthday, anniversary, holiday or any special events for his wife and children.
After the sale of Seahorse, Ogden remained with the parent company, Texas Eastern, serving as President of their drilling services division, until 1988, when he formed Ensco Marine Company, a subsidiary of Ensco International, which operated a fleet of 42 offshore supply vessels and anchor handling vessels. He served as President of Ensco Marine, as well as Vice President of Ensco International until 2003. In April of 2004, Ogden became President of the Cross Group in Houma, Louisiana, a provider of marine and offshore support services until his retirement in 2016.
In addition to his career accomplishments, Ogden served as President of Offshore Marine Service Association for one term and served on their board of directors for several years and President of the Petroleum Club of Morgan City from 1985 to 1986. From April 2004 until May 2025, he served as a director for Conrad Industries.
The pride and joy of Ogden’s life was his “Tribe” which included his wife, his two children, his five grandkids and his loyal companion Beau Zeaux. He was happiest when all of the “Tribe” was together celebrating a holiday, vacationing together at the beach, or just sharing special events on the “Nana and Pop’s Tribe” text group. His wife was the joy of his life, and they shared a very special bond grounded in faith, love, and generosity. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. He also took so much pride in watching his grandchildren grow into young adults. Whether it was watching baseball games or soccer matches, playing golf with the boys or high tea with the girls, Ogden and Linda never missed a chance to be with their grandchildren.
Ogden was a life-long avid golfer, which started with a caddie job at age 11 in Berwick. After his retirement he fulfilled a bucket list golf trip to Scotland in 2017 with some of his closest friends where they made memories that he cherished until his death. He was famous for his gumbo cooking skills, Saturday “Poppie” burgers, and his perfectly grilled steaks.
The family requests that a visitation be held at Ibert’s Mortuary, 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA on Monday, June 2, 2025 beginning at 8:30 a.m., with a rosary being prayed at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson. Father Herbert Bennerfield, III will be the celebrant and Father Angelo Cremaldi will serve as concelebrant. Ogden will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum following the church service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Church, 1011 First Street, Patterson, LA 70392, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Interment has been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary.