Thomas James Clark
Thomas J Clark (Tom) passed away unexpectedly on Mar. 1, 2021 in Henderson Nevada. He was born in El Paso, Texas on Feb. 11, 1958 where he spent his younger years. His family moved to California and there he spent the next fifty years of his life. Tom graduated from Canyon High School in Orange California in 1976. He went on to earn an AA degree. Then he became involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. His favorite ones were being the owner of Standard Printing Products and the Safari Grill in Orange. Prior to his retirement he managed rental properties which allowed him to use his handyman skills. He and his wife Barbara relocated to Henderson in 2019 to spend their “golden years” together.
Tom was a huge sports fan who greatly enjoyed watching, playing and coaching basketball. He was true to his Texas roots and always cheered for “his” Dallas Cowboys.
He got so much delight from having friends and family come to his home for gatherings so he could show off his barbequing and grilling skills. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday and anyone was welcomed to join the traditional family dinner which always consisted of roasted turkey, ham (or some other meat dish) with all of the fixings. The greatest loves of his life were his wife Barbara and their children Tommy and Erika. Tom and Barbara celebrated their 37th anniversary this year on Feb. 18th. They were devoted soulmates who loved doing things together and were rarely apart. Tom adored family time with his wife and children. Road trips were always an adventure and were some of their greatest memories. Living every day to the fullest, never sweating the small stuff and enjoying life’s moments was what Tom did. He will be tremendously missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents T.J. and Lisa Clark. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara and adoring children Tommy (Mary) and Erika. Other survivors include his older brother Bill Clark and two younger brothers, Paul and Rick Clark as well as many extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family would be honored if you chose to donate to your favorite charity in memory of Tom.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 20 in the chapel at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints located on 2701 East Pebble Road in Las Vegas Nevada 89123.
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You have my deepest condolences.
My heart breaks for the Clark family. I will always remember Tom’s beautiful smile and his kindness to everyone. My teacher at the time, and now long time friend, Mrs Clark set me up with a job at Safari Grill working for Tom. Both of you took such care of me at a time when I needed it most. There are no words that can thank you both enough.
Tom was so gracious and kind to everyone. Every employee loved him. His love of all was an inspiration. Thank you Clark Family for having shared such a beautiful person with the world.
Dearest Barbara, Tommy (Mary) and Erika and extended family, sending my deepest condolences and love to you for the loss of your beloved Tom. Though I am unable to attend the Celebration of Life in person., I will certainly be there in spirit. I will make a donation in Tom’s memory to the Fullerton Academy of the Arts Foundation, to be used for Student Scholarships within the Academy of the Arts.
Tom was one of my CHS classmates.
He always had me laughing with his quick wit and timing.
Back in 1977 Tom was in my car one night when his brother Paul was just ahead of us in a pick up truck that we were following.
The truck was involved in a bad accident and Tom jumped from my car and responded immediately providing care and comfort to his bruised up little brother Paul.
Tom was always fun but also as I witnessed that night Tom was also a very caring and compassionate big brother.
Barbara
You may remember me from slots. Cheryl from Quebec we chatted a few times
Please accept my sincere condolences
JP Gorham sent a few us from slots the sad news and at AZ’s suggestion many of us will be donating to charity in Tom’s name. Cheryl Browne
We were so pleased to welcome Tom and Barbra as our next door neighbors as they began their journey in retirement. We cannot express how deep our sorrow was when Tom suddenly past. They have been wonderful neighbors and friends. We helped each other out when needed and enjoyed many nights out.
Dear Barbara and Family, You all have my deepest condolences for your loss. Tom was such a wonderful and kind person and always kept me on my toes with all of his tax questions! I’m so appreciative that I had the opportunity to get to know him! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I am sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. My customers who have been loyal visitors to my sales have felt like friends. I am sorry for your loss. God rest Tom’s soul.
I have told my staff about your loss. We are all so sorry and wish you peace in this difficult time.
This news has just been so very sad for me to hear. This is so unexpected. I have known Tommy and Barbara, as a couple, for these 37 years that they’ve been married. Barbara was my dearest childhood friend since Kindergarten; I have literally known her all of my life. But I also considered Tommy my friend too. Though known as “Tom,” I have also always called him “Tommy” as well. Tom had a great sense of humor. I will always remember, at an FUHS reunion game in the late 80’s when cell phones were huge in size and some guy was walking around with a huge phone hanging from his belt, Tommy asked the guy, “Expecting a call??” We spent many many years later laughing about that incident. At the time, all of us busted up laughing. I will be giving some thought for a donation. Any suggestions from the family appreciated. To the family – my heart goes out to all of you. I know that this is a very difficult time and people are hurting. I am here for all of you in soul, spirit, and prayer. Though I have an illness and cannot travel or exert myself much, I am a phone call away. 🙂
So very sorry for the loss of your husband. I went to Fullerton Union and graduated mid term 1975
Dear Barbra and family, So deeply saddened with the news of Toms passing. many a weekend morning was spent with you and Tom talking of poker, improvements he was always making to the house while our dogs played. I know how happy he was moving to Henderson, many new home projects he had started and close to poker playing opportunities. And I know how happy he was spending all of this time with you Barb. My deepest sympathies.