Thomas J. Clarke

Thomas J. “Tom” Clarke, 74, of Bettendorf, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tom was born in Davenport on June 14, 1952, to Benjamin R Clarke and Evelyn A. (Zach) Clarke-McDermott Tom was married to Deanna (Laughlin) and they had three children: Thomas Joseph “TJ” (Candace) Buchholz, Melissa (Luke) Cormican and Mathew (Amanda) Buchholz. He later married Teresa (DeGrande) and they had two children; Kelly (Eric) Clarke and Zachary Clarke. Tom had five grandchildren; Season, Chloe, Sophie, Brynn and RonaMae.

Tom is also survived by his siblings; Theresa Clarke, Jim (Candis) Clarke, John (Jayette) Clarke and Ann (John) Wegener and five nieces and nephews: Nathan Clarke, Elizabeth Clarke, Amy (Steve) Chlebowski, Katy (Scot) Henss and Madeline (Maddy) Clarke. Tom had several great-nieces and nephews and he was preceded in death by his great niece Kenna Henss.

Tom was mainly a life-long resident of Bettendorf who treasured his many deep-rooted friendships who he met frequently, entertaining his “buddies” with his infectious laugh. You could walk into a room and hear his laugh before you could see him.

Tom retired after 20 years from Modern Woodman of America.

Tom was an avid sports enthusiast, and he participated throughout his life in many sports: football, baseball and basketball at Bettendorf High School; first baseman for the San Bernardino Miller Lite Allstars Fast Pitch team in which his team won the California State Championship and went on to play in the ISC World Tournament where they finished second. Tom also was named to the Illinois State Fast Pitch All-tournament team and the Iowa State Slow Pitch All-Tournament team in the same year. He enjoyed shooting pool; always knowing who he could or couldn’t beat. Tom was also an avid golfer, and a talented bowler, once walking into the city tournament with his own shoes, and found a house bowling ball to his liking and won it!

After retirement he also had many great times with friends at the Off-Track Betting Sports Bar in Clinton.

Tom will be remembered by family and friends for having a beautiful heart, contagious laugh and big smile.

A special thank you to Paula Clarke for her thoughtful support and advice throughout Tom’s final journey.

Per Tom’s request, there will be a private family burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport . A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Croix Hospice and/or Clarissa Cook Hospice House who both provided Tom with the most loving compassionate care. (www.hospicesupportfoundation.org) (https://giving.mercyone.org/genesis/give) - (at “Designation,” select Clarissa Cook Hospice House).