Thomas W. Israel of Picayune, Miss., passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the age of 87 at Bedford Care Center in Picayune, Miss.
He was born on May 2,1929 to the late Jean P. Israel and Laurence V. Israel in Ville Platte, La.  He was the beloved husband of Ann Lacey Fluitt Israel for 35 years. He is the father of Cynthia Kruebbe (Nat) and Fr. Jude (Mitchell) Israel, O.S.B. He is the step-father of Bill Fluitt and Mickey Fluitt (Pam). He is the grandfather of Jeffrey Kruebbe and Matthew Kruebbe, Madeleine Fluitt Jacobs (Mitchell) and Austin Fluitt.
Siblings who preceded him in death were Rita B. Israel, Beryl Israel Cunningham, John Lowell Israel and James Arthur Israel. He is survived by his sister Sherry Comeaux (John) of Ville Platte, La. Tom served in the Navy after World War II and was stationed in Guam. He spent most of his professional life as director of purchasing at the University of New Orleans.
In retirement, he was active in the Hide-A-Way Lake community in Picayune, especially the weekly men’s group.
Funeral services will be private. The family wants to express their sincere thanks to the staffs of Bedford Care Center of Picayune, Miss. and Camellia Hospice of Hattiesburg, Miss.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, La. 70457 or helptheabbey.com in memory of Tom.