ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Newton Thomas Baggett, 33, died on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in St. Louis.

He was born in Vicksburg on Nov. 21, 1977, to Green and Sandra Baggett of Rolling Fork. He grew up in Rolling Fork and Vicksburg and attended Vicksburg High School. He graduated from high school at the Mississippi School for Math and Science in Columbus in 1996. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 2000 with a major in physics and several minors.

After graduating from Virginia, Thomas followed a friend to St. Louis where he fell in love with the city and made it his home. His love for teaching led to the establishment of his tutoring service there, where he specialized in teaching math and science to individual students. He was very successful and in great demand.

Thomas had the ability to welcome all kinds of people into his life with open arms. He made a difference for many, many students and their families. One student said, “What made Thomas so unique was his ability to dream but, even more, it was his ability to inspire others to dream.” To some, he was a life tutor and role model. His grandfather, “Poppa Dooner,” called him “skyrocket,” as they spent much time talking and theorizing about physics and science. 

Thomas leaves his family who loved him dearly and are broken-hearted by his loss. He is survived by his parents, Green M. and Sandra Baggett of Lewiston, Idaho; by his brothers, N. Wade Townsend of Brandon and Greenfield M. and Tiffany Baggett of Springdale, Ark.; by his grandmother, Jane Aden Wade of Vicksburg; his uncle, Lawrence T. Wade of Ellenton, Fla.; and his aunt, Cathy Wade Beasley of Charleston, S.C. He is also survived by his nephews, Gage and Destin Townsend and Greenfield Baggett IV.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Green M. and Frances Baggett and Lawrence T. and Jean Wade of Rolling Fork.

Services were held at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis at 10 a.m. July 28.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being established in Thomas’ name.

For more information, please contact Katie Norvell at NTBaggettmemorial@gmail.com. Interment will take place in Lewiston at a later date. 

Thomas had such an impact on the lives of friends and family. He truly made a difference during his short time on earth.

We will miss his kind heart, his sense of humor, his generous spirit and his passion for teaching.

We will miss that particular genius that made him so unique.