Thomas Edward DeClercq

Thomas "Tom" DeClercq, age 86, of Otter Lake passed away on March 6, 2023, at home and surrounded by close family.
Tom was born on March 21, 1936 in South Bend, Indiana to Jerome & Meredith DeClercq. Tom graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Class of '54 and subsequently earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from St. Joseph's College in Indiana. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corp. as a Drill Instructor spending time in both Parris Island and at Camp Lejeune. Tom was also qualified as a sharpshooter. He later married his wife Carol on July 25, 1981 in Hadley, MI. Tom worked for General Motors where he retired after 33 years, working in labor relations for a time and then later, involved in IT systems for employee payroll across all of GM. Tom truly enjoyed fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, going for a putt on his Harley, and jet skiing. He also spent many hours building wooden ship models and piloting his remote-control helicopters, off-road trucks & sailboats. Tom loved both roller and ice-skating with his wife Carol, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Tom is survived by his wife Carol, children: Wynette (Daniel) Asquino, Brad (Jennifer) Bastion, Paul (Terry) DeClercq, Ann (Brian) Kita, sister: Catherine DeClercq, grandchildren: Mitchel (Summer) Bastion, Maureen Bastion, Nicole, Allison and Raymond Asquino, Brandon DeClercq, and great grandchild Adora Bastion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome & Meredith DeClercq, and son Christopher DeClercq.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service for Tom will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Tom can be made to the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. Arrangements entrusted to Jansen Family Funeral Home - Columbiaville. Share memories, condolences, and pictures with the family atwww.jansenfuneralhome.com.