Earl Thomas Beatty, 81 of Clare, passed away surrounded by prayers, hymns and hugs while loving memories were shared by those who stayed close by his side to help send him off to heaven. While saying our good-byes to the best husband, father, grandfather and friend anyone could have, our sorrow was lightened knowing that waiting for him were the open arms of his beloved mother and a permanent seat at the card table as his dad’s Euchre partner. Earl, better known as Tom, Tommy, Tommy Tittlemouse, dad, grandpa and papa, entered this world as the son of Archie and Hazel (Ackerman) Beatty on January 27, 1938.
Tom spent his entire life living in the Clare area attending a one-room schoolhouse in Vernon Township and graduating from Clare High School in 1956. He may have been a little on the short side but he enjoyed playing football and baseball as well as being a member of Future Farmers of America. He also was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Carol Jean Kleinhardt.
Ever the practical man, he told Carol that as soon as they had $500 in the bank, they could get married. Needless to say, it didn’t take her long to meet that challenge and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1958. Tom worked hard to support his beautiful bride as a butcher at Kroger before moving to Semigs Meat Market and then ending up his working career as a pipefitter at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, retiring in 1995.
Tom and Carol raised three incredible children Shelia, Keith and Kraig. Tom managed to pass on his love of sports to his sons and enjoyed coaching their Little League teams, all the way from minor league to pony. For years he played second base on a men’s slow pitch softball team, bowled on Wednesday nights, golfed in a Monday night league and enjoyed playing poker, pinochle and euchre whenever he could get a game together.
His favorite euchre partner was his dad and they took great pleasure in “schooling” Keith and Kraig every chance they got. For the past few summers, he had a standing tee time with his friend Ron Kunse and his cousin Leroy Eisenhower. His son Keith accompanied them on Fridays to give them a true foursome.
Tom joined his dad as a member of Clare Masonic Lodge 404 and served as Worshipful Master three times during his tenure. As a Mason, Tom tirelessly volunteered his time to make our community a better place to live. He was also a member of the Clare United Methodist Church and enjoyed tending the pig (with his lifelong friend Carl Strouse) at the annual church camp family dinner and he wasn’t afraid to wash a dish or two.
Tom was a proud grandfather and proved to be the biggest fan of each of his six grandchildren. He enjoyed attending just about every athletic contest, 4-H event, play or activity in which they were involved. His quiet presence in the stands, audience or sidelines was all his grandchildren needed to feel his never-ending love and support.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at the Clare United Methodist Church with Pastor John Kasper officiating at 11:00 AM. Friends may meet with the family at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 4, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM.
The Masonic Lodge will hold a vigil service at the funeral home on Monday at 8 PM. Memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice, Clare United Methodist Church, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of E. Thomas Beatty please visit our Sympathy Store.
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