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Thomas McCracken Obituary

Thomas Donald McCracken, 58, of Wheeling, W.Va., passed away in his home Thursday, January 15, 2026. He was born at Washington Hospital, Washington, October 14, 1967, a son of Clair and Joann Baldwin McCracken. Thom graduated from Fort Cherry High School in 1986. He attended Penn State University, prior to being accepted into the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1991. He completed his MBA at West Virginia University. Thom spent his entire professional career since 1991 as a physical therapist at Wheeling Hospital and was its assistant administrator of the Continuous Care Center since 2018. Thom was an exceptional and compassionate PT and an extremely dedicated, hardworking and loyal employee. Thom was a member of the Hickory United Presbyterian Church. Years later he was confirmed in the Catholic faith and was a member of the Saint Michael's Church, Wheeling. Thom was a loving and proud father to his sons, Adam and Collin. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts with his sons during their younger years. Thom loved to travel and ski with family and friends, enjoyed hiking, exercising and staying active. Most of all, Thom loved his family and his "work" family very much. He was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel D. McCracken; and his dog, Sugar. In addition to his parents, Thomas is survived by his two sons, Adam Cross McCracken and Collin David McCracken, both of Wheeling; one sister, Susan (Ken) Alrutz of Hickory; two brothers, Scott McCracken (Linda) of Coraopolis, and Matt McCracken (Stacey) of Washington; the mother of his children, Danielle Cross McCracken; and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received at Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003 (304-232-2732), Saturday, January 24, for memorial visitation from 11 a.m. until time of a memorial service at 2 p.m., with Pastor Evan Alrutz and Deacon Paul Lim officiating. Memorial contributions may be made, in Thom's memory, to the charity of the donor's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Observer-Reporter from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McCracken

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Jim Marquis

January 26, 2026

I am so sorry to hear about Tom´s passing. My prayers to all the family and friends.

Rebecca Sue Chome

January 22, 2026

Dear Joann, and Clair,
Having Susie, Thom, Scott, and Matt in my classroom over the years (many years now) was always a pleasure. You must be so proud...what a wonderful family you have raised. Reading about Thom saddened us, but a blessing was knowing that his life mattered to many through his personal and professional achievements. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you remember and honor his legacy. We are so sorry for your loss.
Love to you and your extended family,
Larry and Becky Chome

Jess King

January 22, 2026

Very sorry for your loss.

Caitlin Allen

January 21, 2026

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Marsha Scott

January 21, 2026

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Thom McCracken. As the administrator of the nursing home, he made a wonderful difference in my life and in the lives of many others. I admired him greatly for his kindness, dedication, and the respect he showed to me and everyone around him. I will truly miss him, and I am grateful for all he did to help me.
Please know that my heart goes out to your entire family during this incredibly difficult time. I hope you can find comfort in knowing how much Thom meant to so many people, and that his kindness and dedication will always be remembered. Wishing you strength, peace, and healing in the days ahead.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Marsha Scott

Marty (Beard) and Dick Snodgrass

January 21, 2026

Clair, Joann and family...
One of the better memories of my high school years was baby-sitting for you... Keeping all of you in our prayers and meditations during this difficult time.
Marty

Janet Marquis

January 21, 2026

The news of Tom's death took my breath away. I am so deeply sorry for this tremendous loss. Claire, Joanne, Sue, Scott, and Matt along with his 2 sons, God Bless you all. Hugs and much love!

Debbie Barr

January 21, 2026

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

Brian Alben

January 20, 2026

Sorry for your loss. We'll keep your family in our prayers Brian and Tina Alben

George Couch

January 20, 2026

Tom was a caring, compassionate and skilled therapist. I observed his dedicated work and spoke to him several times about his desire to get into long term care and potentially acute care administration during my employment at Bishop Hodges Continuous Care Center and Wheeling Hospital. We do not forget those who know made such a positive impact on patients, co-workers, family and friends. My sympathy to all those who knew and were touched by Tom.

Rick and Sharon McCracken

January 20, 2026

Dear Uncle Clair and Aunt Joanne,
We are so so sad. You are in our prayers. May God´s hand be on you gently and mercifully. This is so hard.
Love Rick and Sharon McCracken.

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Memorial Events
for Thomas McCracken

Jan

24

Service

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Kepner Funeral Homes - WDS

900 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003

Jan

24

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Kepner Funeral Homes - WDS

900 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003

Funeral services provided by:

Kepner Funeral Home - Woodsdale

National Road at Bethany Pike, Wheeling, WV 26003

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