Thomas Frederick Boggess, Jr.

Thomas Frederick Boggess, Jr. of Crystal Beach, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on October 29, 2025, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Tom was born on March 10, 1955, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Joyce Dean Campbell Boggess and Thomas Frederick Boggess, Sr. As a Navy family, the Boggesses moved frequently during Tom’s childhood, but when they returned to Corpus Christi during his high school years, Tom discovered lifelong passions: the beach, the sun, and surfing. He graduated from Richard King High School in 1973.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Lamar University in Beaumont, where he met Becky, the love of his life. After their marriage in 1978, the couple moved to Denton, where Tom completed both his master’s and Ph.D. in Physics at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). His graduate work launched a distinguished career that would span decades.

Following his graduate studies, Tom joined Hughes Research Laboratories in California, contributing to pioneering research in the fields of optics and photonics. In 1989, he joined the faculty at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, where he spent the next 32 years in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Over his distinguished career, he served as department chair from 2001 to 2009 and was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2021.

Dr. Boggess became internationally recognized for his research in ultrafast optics, semiconductor superlattices, and infrared photonics. He published extensively and mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Among his many accomplishments, Tom was named as an inventor on several patents in photonics and optical device engineering — a lasting testament of his drive to translate fundamental science into innovative technologies. He served as editor of the IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics and remained an active contributor to the optical science community throughout his career, advancing the field through conferences, editorial service, and leadership within professional societies.

While Dr. Boggess achieved distinction as a physicist, those who knew him best understood that his greatest life’s work and most cherished accomplishments were found not in the laboratory, but around the dinner table, exploring the outdoors, and in treasured moments with his family. He was a devoted husband who cherished Becky and built a life centered on caring for her and their children.

Tom and Becky raised their family with a love of nature and travel, taking countless camping trips over the years. Tom was happiest outdoors: birdwatching, fly fishing, and setting up camp under open skies. He loved listening to music and curated playlists for both long road trips and quiet evenings at home. Tom had a talent for making every family trip an adventure and a gift for noticing the small wonders others might miss.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Frederick Boggess Sr. and Joyce Dean Campbell Boggess. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Clay Boggess of Crystal Beach; his daughters, Erin Boggess of Crystal Beach and Renee Boggess Ricci and her husband Kevin Ricci of Houston; his son, Thomas Boggess III and his wife Mariah Boggess of Sugar Land; his granddaughter, Blake Ricci of Houston; and his sisters, Mary Underwood and Cheryl Bertram.

Tom will be dearly missed by his family, colleagues, and the many scientists whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet kindness, unwavering dedication to those he loved, and lifelong curiosity.

In memory of Tom, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate

Mr. Boggess’s cremation arrangements were handled by Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.