Thomas E. Clay
May 02, 2016
Thomas Eugene Clay
Des Moines
Tom Clay, 56, passed away May 2, 2016, at his home in Des Moines. He was born on December 7, 1959, in Des Moines, to Joseph “Gene” and Jennie Clay.
Tom graduated from North High School in 1978. He worked for numerous years at Shazam, ADP, Jimmy John’s and Godfather’s.
Tom is survived by his father, Gene; brothers, Steven and Brian (Carol) Clay; nephew, Tim; nieces, Katy, Jordyn and Reagan; as well as other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jennie; and his grandparents, Charles and Gladys Tonelli, Joe and Ruth Clay.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday evening at the funeral home from 5 – 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of your choice in loving memory of Thomas.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tom & Ellie Hall
05/11/2016
Let us remember the good times, RIP Tom.
Cathy Voshell
05/10/2016
I knew Tom from his days at FHLB and he had us in stitches all of the time with his jokes and stories. Enjoyed seeing him from time to time when he delivered Jimmy Johns for us downtown, too. What I remember most about Tom is that he had the most hilarious answering machine greetings! We used to call his # in the middle of the day if we needed a laugh or a break from the monotony.
Val Foster
05/07/2016
I always knew Tom was a special person, but reading the messages that others have left makes me proud to call him my cousin. He was always smiling and having fun. If we could all be a little more like Tom we would all be better off. RIP
Nicole Duncan-Lutheran
05/06/2016
My heartfelt condolences to the Clay family. I worked with Tom at ADP and he was truly a one of a kind guy - so funny with his sharp sense of humor, so very kind and always a smile on his face.
Donna (Scheel) Augustine
05/06/2016
Tom worked with my mom Julie Scheel and when we moved to South Bend I remember Tom and his buddies coming to watch the Notre Dame games and staying with us. I also remember riding back to South Bend with Tom and every time we crossed the Mississippi River Tom would sing "Old Man River". Crossing the Mississippi would never be the same. Ever since then, that's what was sang every time the river was crossed, even if Tom wasn't with us. I recently took a trip to Ohio and when crossing the Mississippi, the only thing that stuck in my mind was Tom singing "Old Man River".
And can't forget introducing us to the BBQ competitions!
I didn't know Tom's family but I wanted to share my fondest memories of Tom and give condolences to his family. I'm truly thankful for the chance to have grown up with this wonderful man and will cherish the great memories with him.
-Donna Jo
Alicia Baker
05/06/2016
Rally sons of Notre Dame: Sing her glory and sound her fame, Raise her Gold and Blue And cheer with voices true: Rah, rah, for Notre Dame We will fight in ev-ry game, Strong of heart and true to her name We will ne'er forget her And will cheer her ever Loyal to Notre Dame Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame, Wake up the echoes cheering her name, Send a volley cheer on high, Shake down the thunder from the sky. What though the odds be great or small Old Notre Dame will win over all, While her loyal sons are marching Onward to victory.
Miss you very much TC
Jan Peters, EMC
05/05/2016
Gene, I don't know if you remember me, but I was always very fond of you when you worked at LMC. I was so sorry to hear about your wife passing and now, to hear of your son's sudden death is heartbreaking. I can't even imagine such a loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Rosie Russo
05/05/2016
Though I did not know Thomas, No words can express how sorry I am to here of a 2nd family member of the Clay family has passed within a short time. I can't imagine Gene what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.
Sharon
05/05/2016
How can I say goodbye to one of "the darling little Clay boys"? I remember all the fun times on 15th street, especially Tom's chili on Xmas eve! I remember the lake in Minn. when Tom got "lost" on the seado. Tom was always up for a good time & I will miss his jokes, teasing, etc.. With love, mom Swim.
Tory Morelock
05/05/2016
Dear Gene & Family,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love,
Tory Morelock
Craig
05/04/2016
Tom always made me feel like I was a welcome friend. I never saw him other than his friendly, delightful smiling self. Come hail or high water. I am so impressed with all of the kind words that I have heard about him in the last few days. Tom certainly would not want us to grieve too long. What would Tom do?! He would fire up the BBQ and make us forget our sadness. I'll take mine like yourself in life: Well Done, Tom!
RDB
05/04/2016
Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind, but many ships have ruled the seas.
They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they please.
Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose
But when they built you, brother, they broke the mold.
Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun
And sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe
And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold.
When they built you, brother, they turned dust into gold
When they built you, brother, they broke the mold.
They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong
'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone.
Gone into that dark ether where you're still young and hard and cold,
Just like when they built you, brother, they broke the mold.
Now your death is upon us and we'll return your ashes to the earth
And I know you'll take comfort in knowing you've been roundly blessed and cursed,
But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told
And when she built you, brother, she broke the mold.
That attitude's a power stronger than death, alive and burning her stone cold
When they built you, brother...... Bruce Springsteen (Terry's Song)
Sue Schmitt
05/04/2016
I worked with Tom at the Federal Home Loan Bank and he planned the best parties. The ski trips to Minnesota and back were some of my best memories. I've kept in touch with Tom through mutual friends and would see him around town delivering Jimmy Johns with a smile. He was a great guy, I'll miss hearing his laugh and seeing his big grin.
Luann Anderson Rowat
05/03/2016
We laughed so hard a couple of weeks ago, Tom-at your Mother's visitation. I remember our childhoods on 15th St together. May you rest now in the arms of Jesus and your Mom.
Annette (Behle) Foertsch
05/03/2016
Gene, Steven, Brian and The Entire Clay Family - I am so saddened to hear of Tom's sudden passing. I had the pleasure of working with Tom at SHAZAM and shared many hours withTom at that State Fair over the years working at the Steak/Pork Tip Stand and maybe sharing a few SHASTAs.
Tom had such a passion for life and always had a good joke or story to share. Tom was a person that everyone was drawn to as his personality was contagious <3 I know that Tom is probably still ROCKING out to his favorite artist Bruce Springsteen what a diehard dedicated fan Tom was. May you all find peace in remembering all the FUN that you shared with Tom. . .
Continued prayers for you all at this most difficult time as we say goodbye to one heck of a guy!