Tom Avant

Lester Thomas "Tom" Avant of Hensley, Arkansas was born December 22, 1959, the son of the late Woodrow and Jeanette Williams Avant. Tom was a graduate of Sheridan High School class of 1978 and served proudly in the United States Army. Tom was also a faithful member of East Union Missionary Baptist Church and loved his church family participating any chance he could including going on mission trips and going to the "Bogg" every year working as a camp counselor. Tom was an educator for 30 years. He started out at Cove High school where he was a coach and a bus driver. He was a middle school counselor for many years at Sylvan Hills middle school. His favorite job was the leader of the In School Suspension at East End Intermediate school. He was an avid reader especially science fiction and history; also, he enjoyed military history including any and all military vehicles such as tanks and airplanes. Along with his love of history and expanding his knowledge he was a trivia buff with an answer for any trivial question thrown his way. Tom was a real people person who loved teaching, coaching, and being a guidance counselor to so many kids and young adults who's lives he touched, leading them to the Lord and a brighter future. Above all he loved his family, always being there to support them and their interests in any capacity he could. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and knowledge to so many in his community, and to his family who keep him in their hearts as he is in the presence of his Lord.

Tom passed away July 17, 2026, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 66. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Pamela Torres, he is survived by his wife of 34 years Nyla Roberts Avant, son Matthew Jay Avant, daughters Mackenzie Diane Avant, Caitlin (David) Petterson, and Jessica Gray, brothers Jay (Kaye) Avant of Delaware, AR, and Mark (Jamie) Avant of Virginia, sister Annette (Dwain) Brooks of Little Rock, AR, and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday July 24, 2026, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday July 23, 2026, at East Union Missionary Baptist Church in East End, AR.