Thomas Carroll Clarke

On May 17, 2020, Thomas Carroll Clarke of Ellicott City, Maryland, passed away at the age of 89. Tom was born on February 10, 1931 to Thomas Ashby Clarke and Caroline Schwanke Clarke in Baltimore, Maryland.

Tom was predeceased by his daughter, Jane Clarke, and his brother-in-law, Edmund C. Renk. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lucille Sullivan Clarke; his sister, Betty Clarke Renk; daughters Carol Clarke Crosby (Jon) and Nancy Clarke Wittle (Mark); granddaughter, Amanda Crosby Wendal (George); grandsons Ryan Wittle and Sean Wittle; great granddaugher, Daphne Wendal; great grandson, George Wendal IV and great granddaughter, Iris Wendal.

Tom grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Baltimore City College in 1949. His work career as a draftsman/mechanical engineer spanned over 40 years , most notably with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Tom belonged to the Marine Corp Reserves, 11th Engineer Battalion, stationed at Fort McHenry. The unit was activated in 1950 and subsequently deployed to Wonson, North Korea, where he was assigned to the First Marine Anti-Tank Company that fought in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He received the Korean service medal with 2 bronze stars and the United Nations ribbon and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant at the age of 21. Tom was a member of the Chosin Few during his lifetime. Tom married and after moving to Ellicott City, he and Lucille joined St. John’s Episcopal Church where Tom continued an active membership for 56 years and served as a certified Lay Reader and Sunday school teacher.

During his lifetime, Tom had many interests and belonged to various groups including the Chosin Few, VFW, American Legion, Garrison Gun Club, the NRA and several local civic organizations.

Tom was known for his good sense of humor and contagious laughter among family, friends and acquaintances. Tom took great pride in his family, church and country. He was a true American patriot.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ellicott City at a later date to be announced. Private interment will take place at the Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills, Maryland.

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