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Thomas Harrison Clark

Oct. 11, 1929 - Dec. 28, 2022

Date of Service: Jan. 7, 2023

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OAKLEY – Thomas Harrison Clark, a 93-year-old lifetime resident of Oakley, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at his home.

Tom was born Oct. 11, 1929, in the family home in Oakley, Idaho, to John Aroet and Eula Matthews Clark. Tom and his older brother, Don, grew up on the homestead tending to the livestock that was used for cash and bartering in their father’s grocery store. He attended Oakley Elementary School and Oakley High School and upon graduation, he enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While at BYU, Tom received a mission call for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Great Lake Mission serving in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.

While in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tom met a missionary, Sister Norene MacKay. Following the return home from their missions, they became engaged and later married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 9, 1952. He then returned to the family business, Clark’s for Shopping, where he worked daily even up to the night before his passing. Tom and his father, John, prepared meats for the counter and did custom meat processing.

Tom was active in the Oakley Vigilantes, the Oakley Chamber of Commerce, and the Oakley Fire Department where he served first as a fireman and then as commissioner for 52 years. As strong supporters of the community, the Clark family served their famous deep-pit BBQ dinner for every Pioneer Days Celebration for 50 years.

He was an active member of the Church and served in numerous leadership capacities including as a member of the Oakley Idaho Stake Presidency for 12 years.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, John Clark; mother, Eula Clark; brother, Don Clark; sister, Sue McIntosh; wife, Norene Clark; daughter-in-law, Marie Keating Clark (wife of Byron); and two grandchildren, Porter Harlo Clark and Lydia Rachel Clark.

He is survived by his children, Harlo (Beckie) Clark of Oakley, Melva (Mark) Peterson of Washington, Utah, Matthew (Melanie) Clark of Sandy, Utah, Byron (MaryBeth) Clark of Charleston, South Carolina, Rachel (Jeremy) Dillon of Oakley, and John (Melissa) Clark of Heyburn; 22 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Oakley Idaho Stake Center, located at 355 N. Center Ave., in Oakley, where family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Oakley Cemetery.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/AqRmRUeCr1w.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Thomas Harrison Clark

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Dean and Sandra Harper:

We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Clack family during this time of Tom's passing. May your hearts find peace during this time. I will always have the deepest respect for Tom and for his beautiful family. The memories are rich and sweet knowing all of the powerful influences the Clarks family gave to all in the wonderful town of Oakley. Thank you Tom for everything. May you and Norene enjoy your reunion as you rejoice in each others arms. Bless your heart. We would also like to send our love to Byron and his family and we are so sorry that you lost your father during this time. I know that you loved him. You're the best Byron!

From Kzandra and Aeryn:

Sending love and prayers to your family. Mr. Clark will be loved and missed. May you be at peace.
As a permanent fixture at the store, I will never forget when Mr. Clark would go to get the mail. Always polite and willing to hold the door for you. I will miss you.

From Dennis Kay Smith:

I have known Brother Thomas my whole life. I have fond memories of Christmas Toy-land upstairs in Clarks store. It was magic to visit Santa and check out all the toys .
“Brother Thomas baptized me in the new Stake House . It has bin a great experience to know and Love “Bro Thomas “
I wish continued Love and Happiness for Clark Family
Regards to all.

From Lyle and Jennifer Saget:

Sad to hear of Tom’s passing. The Clark brothers (Don & Tom) and their father were stalwarts of the community. Their presence will be missed but their legacy will endure forever. Our sincere condolences to the entire Clark family

From Syndi Strand:

Tom will be greatly missed. Love and prayers for the Family

From Judy and Mike Barnes :

Your father blessed so many people with his faith and kindness. Praying that you’ll find comfort in your memories of him and in the knowledge that others are missing him, too. We send our love.

From David Roundy:

Being best friends with John since kindergarten, I spent a lot of time in the Clark house. Tom and Norene treated me like one of their own kids. Also, my wife has been employed at Clark's store for the last year. Tom will definitely be missed in our family. My condolences to the Clark family.

From Penne Y. Main:

Thinking of your family & lifting you all in prayer.

From Joyce & Russy Master:

We are Harrison’s Godparents. We are so very sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. May GOD be with you during this difficult time. With Love and Prayers.

From Connie Elison :

Tom is a gentle giant ! I loved working with him and learning from him ! He always made me feel important and loved! I am sorry Clark family for your lose and happy for him to be reunited with his sweetheart!

From Kay and Portia Schrenk:

So sorry for your loss. Tom was always so nice to us when we lived in the Basin. Cherish all your memories!

From Mark and Diane Bell:

What a Great man!!! A true hero, a hard working and fun loving man. I will truly miss talking to him and teasing one another. The Clark family has been blessed by a true patriarch. God bless you all and remember all the lesson you have been taught by this true angel. Love you all and we are always here to help in anyway.

From Al and Kathy Barrus:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clark family. Tom was a great man and friend, he will be missed by all who knew him.

From Emily Hansen :

Always peaceful with a quick smile.

From Joe Stringham :

He had a love for his city, his family, and the eternal gospel of Jesus Christ. He is now with his dear wife and parents. What a big loss for oakley cuz he gave so much to his city. May Heaven accept this true servant and great man. Sincere condolences to the family and may ya be blessed by heaven at this time and always.

From Gaby Kabel:

So sorry for your loss ,Tom was a wonderful man ,very quiet and proper ,lovely human being .We lost one of the great ones

From Heidi Robbins :

So sorry for your loss he was a goodman and meat cuter

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