Thomas W Clingingsmith

family on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Tom was born on August 2, 1935, to David and Mabel

Clingingsmith in Jonesboro, Illinois. Tom often related stories of working in their family

grocery store in the small towns of Jonesboro-Anna, and delivering groceries in the

family truck (along with making “unscheduled stops” in the park along his route to enjoy

a little ice cream).

After graduating from Parks College at St Louis University with a degree in Aerospace

Engineering, Tom went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1959. He

then worked in the aerospace industry from 1961 until his retirement in 1999.

In 1976, Tom married Gayla in Arlington, Texas. They made their home in Arlington until

after his retirement, when they moved to Midlothian, Texas.

Tom’s enjoyment of airplanes, history, and chocolate was evident to all who knew him.

He will be remembered as almost always having a book in hand, and was a frequent

visitor at the local library. Sharing his faith in Jesus Christ remained of utmost

importance to him, and he and Gayla enjoyed their church family at Oak Crest Baptist

Church in Midlothian.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gayla; children, Robert (Dee), Cristy (Jonathan), and Carrie

(Charles); seven grandchildren (Brett, Merishia, Blake, Garrett, Grant, Caleb, and

Meghan); and five great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Methodist Mansfield Medical Center and Heart to Heart

Hospice Inpatient Center for their excellent and compassionate care of Tom in his final

month. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Heart to Heart Hospice

(www.htohhfoundation.org), or to the Midlothian Public Library.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the

punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, Committal Service: Moore Memorial Gardens.