Thomas Ray "Tom" Bouquet

THOMAS RAY (Tom) BOUQUET, 72, of Sealy, Texas, passed away on August 17, 2023, in Bellville, Texas.

He was born August 12, 1951, in Hearne, Texas, the son of Leonard Edward and Evelyn Machac Bouquet. Tom grew up watching his dad work cattle and train horses on the Welder Ranch in Victoria, Texas. When Tom was old enough to attend school, the family was living in Edna, Texas where he played football and attended Edna High School. In 1974, he met the love of his life, Susan Johnson, and they were married on April 10, 1976, in Victoria, Texas.  They moved to Houston in 1977, where he worked for Chamberlain Building as a Superintendent, and they built new homes until the housing crisis in 1982.  He was offered a job managing Don’s House of Guns on FM 1960, which just happened to be next door to a saddle shop.  When Tom had extra time, he would wander next door and that is where he learned to build and repair saddles.

In 1984, Tom and Susan moved to Sealy, Texas, and opened Rafter T Saddle Shop at the Port City Stockyards.  Over the years, he became well known for his craftsmanship in building custom saddles for both cutting and roping horses.  He was passionate about his work, attending leather shows in Sheridan, Wyoming, and always learning new techniques from other master saddle makers across the U.S.  Going to visit these legends of the trade and storytellers was something that brought a lot of inner peace to Tom. He loved following in their footsteps by sharing his knowledge with the younger generation and anyone considering the trade.  He was a great storyteller and loved talking about his family’s Texas history and anything pertaining to a Western lifestyle.  Tom was an avid reader, especially about Texas, Native Americans, and Historical Fiction in general. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time listening to music with his family and friends.

Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years: Susan Bouquet of Sealy; daughter: Jessica Dostal of Sealy and partner Joshua Williams of Biloxi, Mississippi; and granddaughter: Holly Dostal of Sealy; brothers Wayne and wife Tessie of Edna; Billy and wife Jill of Cypress; sister: Betty and husband Steve Short of Helotes; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He also was beyond blessed to have countless number of lifelong friends and customers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Evelyn Bouquet.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts in memory of Tom to the Working Ranch Cowboy Association at www.wrca.org