Thomas Graham Shinn

Lt. Col. Thomas Graham Shinn, USMC (Retired), age 68, of Slidell, Louisiana, lost his second battle with cancer on August 15, 2026.

He was born in Houma, LA to Col. Thomas W. (USAF Retired) and Virginia Graham Shinn on October 1, 1957. He traveled the world with the military, eventually landing in the DC area. He graduated from Radford University where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a 1st Lt. in the Marine Corps in 1978. His greatest joy was piloting his A-4 Skyhawk. Tommy was transferred to the New Orleans area where he switched to the 4th Marine Division Reserve unit 323. He valiantly served in the Gulf War (Desert Shield/Storm) from 1990 – 91 as the Forward Air Control Officer. Tommy retired from the Marine Corps after 23 years in 2001.

In civilian life in New Orleans, Tommy earned his MBA from Tulane’s AB Freeman School of Business in 1989. He met and married his wife, Michon Breisacher, and planted roots. No more moving – except for Katrina. He worked for Deloitte & Touch as a public accountant, Hibernia, and Capitol One as a commercial banker.

Tommy embraced New Orleans and its culture. Tommy loved everything Mardi Gras and was thrilled to be a member of the Krewe of Hermes. Tommy was very active in the Deutsches Haus. He was a board member, Finance Officer and Former President. A gourmet cook, he used his collection of German recipes to plan the menus and run the kitchen during the annual Oktoberfest.

Katrina prompted a six month stay in Shreveport and then the move to Slidell. Tommy and Michon became involved with Slidell Little Theatre and were awarded a Lifetime Membership for their dedication to volunteering. Tommy also served on the Board of Directors for the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy and the Northshore Harbor Center.

Tommy worked hard, played hard, and loved harder. He was fiercely devoted to his family and was the supreme pet dad who could never say no to just one more furry critter.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 36 years, Michon; his sister Cynthia Davenport, niece Ginger Davenport, uncle Charlie Graham, cousins Glover Pope (Tim) and Norman Jones (Carol), and the Breisacher family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss Street, New Orleans, 70119. In lieu of flowers, bring your stories of “Tommy-isms” or honor his love of animals with a donation to an animal conservation or rescue organization.