Thomas L Clark

Thomas L. Clark, 51, of Columbus, Ohio passed away on June 27, 2023.  Born on September 5, 1971, the second born child of 7 and the oldest son.  Thomas (Tom) is preceded in death by mother Jeanne Sue Clark, stepfather Jeff Rockey, father Larry Eugene Clark, sister Trina Sue Clark, brother Kevin Springer, sister-in-law Karen Clark, twin nephews: Thomas and Chase and favorite uncle Gene Durst.

He is survived by his soul mate and love of his life, Wanda. They were married May 20, 1994 but soon after separated. After a 10 year separation the Lord allowed their paths to cross again. They renewed their love and vows on May 20, 2006.

Tom leaves behind daughters: Alecia, Christina (Criddle), Cassandra (Randy), Briana (Austin), Kirstan (Fred), Toni (Cody). Grandchildren: Preston, Kaniah, Carter, Connor, Mia, Dakston, Juliana, Khyzer, Austin Jr., Aryanah. Sisters: Gina (Charlie), Tina (Bill) Jessica. Brothers: Eugene, Jonathon (Lisa).

Tom was easily one of the funniest people to have ever walked the planet. He had a way of making a dark, serious situation light and easy. He was always making you laugh. He never knew a stranger. All it took was a glance in his direction and he was smiling and striking up a conversation. Before you knew it, two hours had gone by and you would have heard a dozen or so stories; he was the family story teller. If he were witness to any funny or embarrassing situations, you and everyone else would hear about it for years to come. Tom loved giving nicknames to friends and family like Loke Dog, or Frenchy and even catching a few of his own: Taco, Tommy Taco Bean Burrito as the kids would say, Big Cheese, TOM TOM and many more. 

Tom was a big football fan cheering for Michigan Wolverines on Saturday and Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He collected football cards, a pass time he shared with his brother Eugene. Another way to Tom’s heart was a good meal. He was always ready to accept a lunch invite and raved about his sister Jessica’s cooking. He especially enjoyed his standing weekly lunches with friend and Pastor Dave Jansen.

Cars and racing were a big part of Tom’s life. A lifetime Tony Stewart fan, although his real love was drag racing. He readily jumped at the chance to help John Littler at Dragway 42, and traveling to Norwalk, Ohio to watch his best friend, John Porter compete in “Pinks All Out”. Tom was always seen driving around in something nice but don’t get too attached because it was gone within the week to be traded for something even better. He always preached about the importance of “keeping them cars clean at all times and protect your investment!”.

Out of all of his loves, his family was his greatest love of all. He helped create four beautiful daughters and helped raise two that he loved like his own. In his eyes, his grandchildren could do no wrong. He was often yelling at their mothers to leave them alone no matter what trouble they got into. 

The bonds that he shared with his siblings was like no other. If Tom was on the phone and you asked who it was, most of the time it was Johnny, Eugene or Jessica. Losing his sister Trina broke his heart and he missed her dearly. He loved all of his nieces and nephews like they were his own, each having their own special relationship with their Uncle Tom.

Tom was a kind, loving, warm, smiley, generous, amazing man that blessed the lives of many just by being himself. He will be missed beyond measure. Until we meet again…..we love you. 

Gina: Charlie & Taylor

Trina: Savannah, Rockey, Angelina, Vanessa, Manuel, Samuel

Tina: Bill, Branden, Gustavo, Adam, Antonio

Eugene: Karen & Willie

Jonathon: Lisa, Raelyn, AJ, Tylor, Chris, Heather, Daniela

Jessica: Celina, Jasmin, Oscar, Jesus, Emma, Antonio, Jose, Thomas & Chase