As a child, I always waited anxiously for my dear Uncle Tom to come in from Texas to KY! His children, Tommy, Robby and Teresa were my age and we always had so much fun!! But a vivid memory that I’ll never forget is when I was 10 and they were here in Eastern Ky and we took them to the pool club with us. Watching my Uncle do the most beautiful swan dives off of the high-dive was simply thrilling!! He was always sweet and kind. We drove to visit them in Texas when I was twelve. I remember hearing of “crabbing” and eating it for the first time! He was a marvelous cook! We were alway impressed with his love and kindness and also how well behaved his kids were despite their strict parents! Oh how I envied their wonderful life I. The warm Texas weather! Still do! When he travelled back here over the years with Aunt Iva and I was grown, we all went to church with Mamaw and he was so attentive to her and my dear mom! He made me coffe and we’d sit and talk for hours! I missed him not coming in…. Now I miss him for being gone. But I cannot wait to see you again in glory Uncle Tom!! Just know how much I’ve always loved you and will always miss you. You made a huge impact on my life, even if you weren’t here all the time! That’s the mark of a great man! That, you were!

Tom was one of the most loving persons I know. He loved my Mother and considered her his "Best Friend!" If she wanted to dance, he took her dancing, if she wanted to eat, he took her out to eat, if she wanted to play dominoes, by all means they gathered a few friends and played! I know they are celebrating in heaven now! They had everything they needed, but I wanted to get something special for Tom one Christmas. He was from Kentucky, so I wanted something that represented Kentucky. We headed to Kentucky for a Kentucky Ham...when we got there all we could find were Virginia Hams...keep in mind this was in the early 90's we didn't have Google or Alexa. So, we went to Virginia and found a Kentucky Ham...He would have liked the Virginia Ham just as well! He loved to eat! Not too much, but he enjoyed eating, so when he chose my Mom, he knew what he was doing. She loved to cook, she loved people to eat and enjoy her recipes. They were a team, she'd cook and he'd clean. I admired how they were such a pair. He got his Masonic degrees to also be able to share Easter Star with Momma! They went all the way up the chairs to the East! They worked together in other aspects of their life as well. They loved all of their Grandchildren, but Caitlin was their first together. She was born the day after they got married, so she was always special in many ways to them. I was so glad they got to travel. They were able to see the country, visit with family and friends. They would always say that their 8 person motorhome and /or travel trailer only slept 2...jokingly. Well they drove it up to College Station to visit with Carley...that night it slept 3! I only saw Momma mad at Tom once, but that once lasted a long time...she wanted a Red Cadillac for her 80th birthday in October. She just knew he would go down there and get it for her. Well...he didn't, he had probably bought her one of the many beautiful suits of clothes or sets of jewelry that had always satisfied her in the past, but she still wanted that car. We heard it for months. Well December came around and she was still whining about that car. I said enough is enough! So, I called up the dealership and asked if they wanted to sell a car today. You can imagine their answer. I said get your best salesperson to grab the prettiest, loaded, Red Cadillac you have and drive it to XXX (their address) and I guarantee you you will make a sale! They sent "Charlie!" Lo and behold they made a deal. Charlie drove her trade-in back to the dealership and left her Birthday Gift! She got to drive it only a couple of weeks, but she got her dream car and she was as happy as a lark and Tom smiled from ear to ear in pride! After Momma passed away, Tom knew I never let anyone buy my lunch, but we made a pact that I would let him buy mine one Friday and I would buy his the next. We ate together for about 3 years. He would come by Trey White State Farm, pick me up in the Red Cadillac and we'd head toward our culinary spot for that week. Restaurants knew they would see us on Fridays...His choice was always Catfish Cabin, I would choose different restaurants on my week. We were some of the first customers at The Tree when they opened here in Lumberton, Napolis was always a favorite, Juan's was delicious, as well as Hamburger Depot! After I went to work at Christus, I would grab something in Beaumont to go and we'd eat at the house! He would have the table set and ready! He was in the Navy. He was meticulous and prepared. The girls at work called it Fridays with Tom! Mike's birthday is February 14. So, Valentine's Day is usually all about him...last February 2020, Fridays with Tom was on the 14th! I had grabbed a box of chocolate turtles for Tom thinking I was going to surprise him, to my surprise, he had a Valentine card for me...it was so sweet and it was signed "Old man Clark" it was truly given from the heart and really meant alot to me and still does. Tom was honored with the Golden Trowel from the Masonic Lodge. He exemplified the Golden Trowel..."Spreading the cement of brotherly love and friendship with all skills of a master craftsman." This is the highest award a lodge can bestow upon an individual member. I know Momma was smiling down on that honor! All in all we have lost a great man, our Tom Clark, our Papa Tom. There is no doubt in my mind where he is! Let's rejoice! Tom Clark we love you!

49 files added to the album LifeTributes

TONY ACOSTA & FAMILY purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of Thomas H. Clark.

Tom and I both worked together for many years and retired from BASF. Such a very nice man and pleasant to work with. Sending prayers of comfort to Tom's family. May he rest in peace.

Care and Compassion Spray was purchased for the family of Thomas H. Clark.

Tom was the kindest man I’ve ever met. He was my father n law for over 23 years. I spent a lot of time with him especially the last couple of years. I would bring him food and goodies, me and the grandkids would clean the house and tidy up, we’d sit and have the best talks , he had some great stories ! He was a true Christian man . He never talk bad about anybody, he never judged he just always kept reinforcing how important it was to be a servant for Christ… That he was 100%. I’m happy he’s free from all that pain but I will miss him dearly… Until we meet again thanks for stepping in when my own daddy left:heart::pray::skin-tone-3::heart: Give everyone smooches from me

When Uncle Tom was in the Navy, I told him I would kiss until his face turned red. Rest in peace Uncle Tom and know I still love you dearly.

Mr Tom will always be remembered, such a kind soul! Prayers for the family :pray:

Oh, precious Tommy Boy!! That’s what I called him when I was little. It so hard to know he is gone. You have raised a great family of kids. May God bless you, Tommy, Robbie and TC!! I’ll be seeing you again, Uncle Tom, when I get to heaven.

Rest well Uncle Tom! Love and miss you!!!

A kind man i will remember. To all the family esp Tom Tom, many prayers for all of you .

Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Thomas H. Clark.