Thomas Robert Clark

Thomas “Tom” Robert Clark, of Ann Arbor and Clinton Township, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, after a long illness. He was 95.

Tom was born October 9, 1928, to Margaret (Driver) and Charles Clark, in Unadilla Township, Michigan.  He grew up with his 6 siblings in Pinckney, Michigan, where his father owned the auto repair shop and gas station in town.  Charles often called on Tom to help at the shop and station.  Tom even pumped gas for Henry Ford himself, which Mr. Ford paid Tom directly.  The knowledge he learned from working in his dad’s shop led Tom to a career with Ford dealers where he was managing part departments and selling fleet trucks.  He retired at 81 when the company was sold.

Tom married his great love, Doris Ellen Ryan, on May 5, 1951.  He had been drafted, shortly before his wedding, into the Army.  The Korean War was raging.  Fortunately, Tom got sent to Thule, Greenland, 932 miles from the North Pole, to join the Construction Engineers of the 5th Army.  There he rose to Sergeant and supervised the Motor Pool.  Tom and Doris were married for 58 years when she passed away on December 2, 2009.  Together they raised eight children.   Later he married his second wife, Sarah E. Lee, on November 10, 2018.  The two traveled extensively in the United States and Europe.  

A lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Tom rose through the ranks to be elected to the top position, state deputy, for the state of Michigan.  He is credited with the highest number of new members in his year. Afterward, Tom was appointed Vice Supreme Master of the 4th degree for the Michigan/Ohio district.   Tom began his Knight career as a member of  Ann Arbor Council 578.  

He is survived by his wife, Sarah E. Lee; his eight children: Ann (Rick) Cochell, Gary, Lynn (Greg) Illeck, Jan (Dave) Turner, Terry (Sue), Richard (Sue), Paul and Phil (Debbie) Clark; 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and by his sister, Anita Clark and brother, Francis (Cherryl) Clark.  

He was predeceased by his first wife, Doris; his brothers, Charles, Dennis and Jerry Clark, and his sister, Mary Margaret Moriarty.

The visitation is Monday, February 19 from 2 to 8 pm.  Rosary service at 7 pm.  Funeral Mass to be celebrated at St. Isidore Catholic Church (18201 23 Mile Rd, Macomb) at 12 noon on Tuesday, February 20.   Additional visitation from 11:30 to 12 pm.  Private burial to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Center (st.louiscenter.org) and Holy Cross Services, 1030 North River Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48906, Attn: Ryan Kunzelman (holycrossservices.org).

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