Thomas Albert Hogue , 75, passed away peacefully at his home on Cedar Creek Lake on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from glioblastoma brain cancer.  We are heartbroken and will miss him dearly.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Brenda Lou Simmons Hogue, his wonderful daughters Erica Hogue Gannon and Jill Hogue; his "favorite" son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Dayle Hogue; and his sweet grandchildren, who were his greatest joy: Blythe Gannon, Addy Hogue, Hank Hogue, and Aliza Hogue.

Born in Flora, IL on May 17, 1950, he was the youngest son born to Charles Wendell Hogue and Grace Irene Mogler.  He was raised in Fairfield, IL, graduated from Fairfield High School in 1968, and went on to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to receive a B.S. degree in civil engineering technology in 1972.  Tom and Brenda married on June 16, 1973 in Carmi, IL.  Tom's first career was in railroad engineering, one that moved them from Waterloo, IA to Chicago, IL to Jackson, MS and finally to Texas.  He and Brenda raised their family in Ennis, TX and then retired to Cedar Creek Lake in November of 2012.

After his first career, Tom then became an entrepreneur, inventing a railroad patent, owning and managing a golf course, doing a home renovation project, and finally retiring to lake life. He enjoyed boating, hosting friends, smoking ribs, and always finding something that needed the "Tom Hogue fix".  Tom was a steward of the United Methodist Church, volunteering as an usher and in the church office, and most recently running the sound/AV system, a job that sometimes stressed him out, but also filled him with pride at being able to figure out the technology.    Tom led a life of quiet service: he was a Paul Harris Rotarian, a Boy Scout Troop volunteer, a driver for Meals on Wheels and the local food pantry, a mentor at Tool Elementary and the president of the Arnold Hills POA.  He wore a lot of hats, literally and figuratively, but his proudest title was "Papa".

Tom and Brenda did retirement right: traveling the world together and eating all the delicious food.  They made many wonderful memories together and enjoyed a blessed life.   Tom did not have regrets which gave him peace after his diagnosis 9 months ago.  He and Brenda enjoyed an active lake life for the last 13 years and he died peacefully looking out onto the view he always loved.

As we reflect on his life and try to summarize it here, we want to echo the sentiments we have received from so many of you: Tom Hogue was a good man.   His sweet smile and welcoming demeanor made him a friend to all, and his actions spoke louder than his words; we could always rely on Tom to show up for us. He was our steady, consistent rock as a husband, father, friend, and neighbor.  We appreciate the outpouring of love and messages during this time -- they have brought us so much peace.

He was the brother to David (Jean) Hogue, Daniel (Twyla) Hogue, Mary Katherine Hogue Jarvis and his fraternal twin, Phillip (Jackie) Hogue; and brother-in-law to Samuel (Sandra) Simmons and David (Gerarda) Simmons.  He had numerous nieces and nephews and extended family who all meant a great deal to him.

We want to especially thank Dr. Waleed Mahmoud of Athens, TX for his devoted care of Tom and the entire team at MD Anderson Cancer Center, under the leadership of Dr. Shiao-Pei Weathers, for their expertise and guidance over the last 9 months.

We find great peace in knowing Tom is in a better place, reunited with all the family, friends, and spoiled dogs (Lady, Hudson, Maggie, Zulu and Basil) that went before him.  Current spoiled dog, Bella, misses him dearly but will continue to be spoiled by Brenda.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tom Hogue Family Memorial Fund at Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church:  100 S Old Indian Trail, Tool, TX 75143 https://www.cclumc.com/

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE :   Saturday, May  9, 2026. Come & Go Visitation from 10am-11am; Service at 11am immediately followed by a Reception with light food (open to all) in the Fellowship Hall.   Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church (100 S Old Indian Trail, Tool, TX 75143). If you are unable to join us in person, the service will be live streamed on the Church's Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/cclumc ) and then posted to YouTube afterwards. The Caring Bridge journal of his cancer diagnosis is linked here .

Submitted by family