Thomas W. R. Clarke, longtime teacher
Thomas Walter Raymond Clarke, 95, passed away Friday, Dec. 24, 2021, peacefully in his home in Dagsboro.
Born Dec. 8, 1926, in Philadelphia, Tom joined the Coast Guard at age 18, then served proudly for 20 years as a U.S. Marine. Upon retirement, he began his second vocation as a business teacher at Pennsbury High School. After a long and storied teaching career, Tom spent the rest of his time on this Earth in southern Delaware.
Tom is preceded in death by his first wife Mary (Kistner) Clarke, his beloved daughter-in-law Kathleen (Bennett) Clarke, and his second wife Carol (Heard) Clarke. Tom is survived by his sons Kevin Clarke (Kathy), Stephen Clarke (Rosemarie), Joe Heard (Christine), Brian Heard (Maria), and Jon Heard (Aimee); and his adored grandchildren Mary, Patrick, Sarah, Braden, Pearson, Henry, Haley, Charlotte and Gemma.
In his life, Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved playing cards, traveling, spending time with his church, and sipping on the occasional Manhattan. Most of all, Tom loved passing the time with his beloved family and friends. Tom lived an exceptional life and had a positive impact on those around him, and he will be greatly missed by us all.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at Community Lutheran Church, 30897 Omar Road, Frankford. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Community Lutheran Church, 30897 Omar Road, Frankford, DE 19945, are greatly appreciated.
Online condolences may be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
