Thomas James McClements' Obituary
Thomas McClements Obituary
Thomas James McClements was a smart, tenderhearted, and patient husband and father who loved singing, golfing, and gardening. He was determined to see another season of flowers grow in his yard despite a number of worsening health issues, including COPD. He planted dahlia tubers in May, and saw them bloom before he died at age 91 August 24, 2021. Born in Elyria January 4, 1930, to James and Mabel (nee Halliday) McClements, Tom grew up on the west side playing with his McNulty cousins, working at Lindway’s grocery store, delivering newspapers, and speed boating on Lake Erie in his pride and joy, “The Galloping Schmoo.” (He carried a photo of the Schmoo in his wallet until the end.) He was a 1947 graduate of Elyria High School. He met Helen Kader at the 2nd Congregational Church, and they married in 1950. While serving in the US Army in Austria, Tom became a ham radio operator, and enjoyed continuing it as a hobby stateside. After returning to Elyria, he worked as an electrician and supervisor at Ohio Edison, where he retired after more than 40 years. Tom was a lifelong contributing member of Lake Avenue United Church of Christ, including serving as a deacon and singing in the choir since he was fourteen. A choir friend invited Tom to the local barbershop chorus, and he took to it immediately. He sang in many different quartets, and directed the Cascade Chordsmen for a time. He was particularly known for impersonating George Burns singing “Old Bones” with the Olde Tyme Design. Tom was an excellent handyman and electrician. Their church knew that he was always nearby to fix a leaky ceiling or blown fuse. He built a china cupboard to practice his stained glass skills, and then made stunning lamps and windows for his family. He could lay a brick walkway or erect a stone wall without instructions. A lifelong learner, at age 83 he acquired an iPad and learned to use email. At 80 he switched his green thumb from growing 150 roses to scores of dahlias, with equally dazzling results. Tom enjoyed raising four daughters alongside his flowers. He helped with their piano lessons, took them ice skating, taught them cribbage, chaperoned bicycle trips, and put them through college by taking on extra jobs. An attempt to create a McClements “Sweet Adelines” quartet did not work out; he didn’t pass on his singing ability to his girls. After retirement he spent much of his time gardening, golfing, exercising at the gym, and meeting colleagues for breakfast. He was proud of his Scottish heritage, and officially joined his clan, Lamont. He relished Scottish shortbread and oatcakes, but equally enjoyed Helen’s Hungarian cabbage rolls. He and Helen led an active social life, vacationing with church groups, friends, and relatives. Although he was a man of few words, many people were touched by Tom. He delighted in delivering bouquets of prize dahlias and roses to his waitresses, nurses, and golf clerks, and they all knew him by name. It was well known that you could stop by the side porch in August for the pick of his giant tomatoes. In the past few years COPD lessened some of his abilities, but after each bout he would amazingly rebound. In 2020 he was still playing golf and spreading manure in his garden, and he was answering Jeopardy questions the night he died. He had a wry sense of humor and seldom complained. Instead, he put all of his efforts into getting better for the sake of Helen and his family. We are thankful to have had him in our lives for so many wonderful years. Survivors include Tom’s wife of 70 years, Helen; daughters Nancy McClements (Ian Gaylor), Barb Renard (Jim), Janice McClements (Larry Oros), and Carol Slater (Charles); grandchildren Megan Ebbers (Eric), Colin and Erin Slater, Sarah Hauge (Ben), Jonathan Renard (Mollie Fitzgerald); step-granddaughter Kim Howell (Dan); great-grandchildren Liam and Luca Ebbers and Murphy Renard; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Beatrice de la Pena. Friends will be received Friday, August 27, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Ave, Elyria. A funeral service will be Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11: 00 am in the funeral home with Reverend Thomas French officiating. Burial will be in Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria. Masks are required. Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to Harmony Foundation International or Community of Faith United Church of Christ.VisitationDicken Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceFriday, August 27, 2021 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035 Funeral ServiceDicken Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceSaturday, August 28, 2021 11:00 AM 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035 GravesideBrookdale CemeterySaturday, August 28, 2021 41600 Oberlin Elyria RoadElyria, OH 44035
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