Thomas Clark

Thomas “Tom” Patrick Clark, 80, passed away peacefully at 5:13 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, with his family by his side. In his final days, he was cared for by an extraordinary Neuro ICU team who fought hard for Tom through their incredible knowledge, kindness and compassion. His family will forever be grateful. In keeping with his thoughtful nature, Tom’s final gift was through tissue donation with Mid-America Transplant.

Born May 16, 1945, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Tom was the son of Vincent and Catherine (Walsh) Clark. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later worked as a maintenance electrician for St. Mary’s Hospital and Touchette Hospital in East St. Louis. He retired in 2012 after many years of dedicated service.

Tom lived with Parkinson’s disease for eight years, facing it with great strength and determination. Through programs like Rock Steady Boxing and the Big and Loud program at St. Anthony’s, he remained active and continued to live a full and meaningful life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Crystal, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage; his son, Timothy; daughter, Claudia; son-in-law Matthew; two sweet grandsons; bonus grandchildren; and brother, Dennis Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Catherine Clark, and his brothers Vincent, Bernard, Harry, and Robert Clark.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 beginning at 1:30 p.m. with a service at 3:00 p.m., at the Muenstermann Pavilion in Alton’s Gordon Moore Park. Memorials may be made to Rock Steady Boxing at Senior Services Plus to support others living with Parkinson’s disease.

Tom will be remembered most for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and his quiet resilience. 

He is deeply missed.

Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home