Our Story

Louisiana meets Iowa meets Missouri meets Tennessee. A family that has blossomed through life's unexpected twists and turns but brought together under God's plan. Each of us has been gifted with our own set of skills and talents that we hope one day will shape the world. If we've learned anything over the past couple of years, it's that one action can lead to an avalanche of change, even if that change is completely out of our control. We hope that our story resonates with you as you learn more about our family.  

Tony- Born in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1969 where he demonstrated interest in drawing and painting in his early childhood. He received his initial art education at the age of 12. He worked in numerous mediums and explored traditional drawing and painting techniques. During his teens, he exhibited his work in area art shows and galleries in southeast Iowa. 

He attended Iowa Wesleyan University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Commercial Art. He also completed a Master's Degree in Art Education at the University of Florida while living in Managua, Nicaragua. He served there as a missionary teacher for five years. Currently residing in West Monroe, Louisiana, he spends most of his days painting and perfecting Louisiana recipes. Tony spent several years teaching students how to play the violin as well as organized a fencing club at an international school. As a skilled fencer himself, Tony has competed internationally and has medaled in fencing competitions. If you ever find yourself camping together, there is a 75% chance that Tony will search for natural clay in the soil to shape and create jewelry that he will bake in the campfire like it's a makeshift kiln. 

Phyllis- born in Ruston, Louisiana in 1975 where she excelled in school, loved to read and attended church on her own. Phyllis had many ups and downs in her childhood and teen years until she found a family to live and attend church with at the age of 14. At age 17, Phyllis moved to Missouri to be near her brother, sister and new boyfriend, Tony. She finished high school and she and Tony were married two weeks later. Tony and Phyllis moved to Vidalia, Louisiana where they had two children, Grant and Joel. Phyllis was a stay at home mom until their youngest, Joel, started Kindergarten. Back in Missouri, Phyllis attended Crowder College and earned her nursing degree. While in Managua, Nicaragua, Phyllis served as a missionary nurse and teacher. She also earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Phyllis is working toward a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University online. She works with inpatient psychiatric patients and is passionate about serving people with mental illness and those struggling from past trauma. 

Phyllis learned that her biological father was the Duck Dynasty star and Duck Commander, Phil Robertson, in late 2019. She now lives in West Monroe, supporting her husband's art business, working as a psychiatric nurse, and getting to know her newfound family.  Phyllis still reads every day and spends most hours listening to worship music and studying.

Tony and Phyllis operate a short term rental in St. Louis where they stay as often as possible to visit Grant, Julie and Theo. 

Grant and Julie- After meeting at Missouri State University, Grant and Julie moved to St. Louis where they have started their careers. Grant and Julie have made St. Louis their home but you are more likely to find them on a camping trip or hike. Inspired by the world around them, Grant and Julie like to spend more time in the outdoors than stuck behind a screen. Theo joined the family in 2022 as the first grand baby and first nephew. Little Theo is a happy, healthy and thriving little boy who brings our family such joy!

Joel and Kendall- They started out as two crazy kids claiming to just be friends, but love didn't take long to bring them together for a lifetime. Opposites truly did attract when it came to their marriage. Joel is the quiet, rolling stone while Kendall is the middle-of-the-dance floor, planning type. They fill in each other's gaps with two completely different backgrounds to share. They met and married in Missouri, but have recently moved to Louisiana. Joel is the Facilities Manager for Christ Church, and Kendall is the Property Manager for Logtown Estate and the Administrative Assistant for our family business, Tony Thomas Art.  

Well, that's us! Thanks for joining this crazy ride!