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| to help us replace the vandalized ceramic portrait on Tom's headstone in his honor. |
This is my big brother, Thomas Neil McClung. He was born
a happy baby boy in Portland, Oregon on May 7th, 1978.
He only lived to be twenty years old. Tom was a special
soul full of love and virtue. He never spoke badly of
another unless they hurt someone he loved. Tom was
both loved by all and loved all that were close to him. I am
thankful that I had the honor of knowing Tom. I feel that
people like my brother are like Angels that we seem to be
with for only the flap of a doves wing but leave us with a
lifetime of memories.
Tom loved his family. He felt that family honor was most
important in life. Tom especially admired his Grandpa who
died when he was young. Tom looked like his Grandpa
and loved comic books too. He liked the characters that
protected the innocent and had chivalry. Tom enjoyed
playing with his siblings and cousins and always loved
family gatherings like Christmas Eve.
Tom was my teacher who I admired greatly growing up.
Tom would come home from school and teach me what he
had learned that day. I was happy when I started school
too and we would walk to and from together for years to
come. Tom enjoyed learning at school but he didn't take to
all the subjects. Soon he took interest in out of school
curriculum. By the time Tom was in fifth grade he loved to
read classic Greek mythology, physics books,
encyclopedias, etc.... Tom learned that knowledge and
power wasn't as ultimately important as wisdom and
virtue. He admired people such as Jesus Christ, Marcus
Aurelius, Stephen Hawking, Aristotle, Plato, and
Pythagoras.
Tom enjoyed friendships with kids who weren't
necessarily the popular type. He had a tight knit small
group of friends. Tom really didn't enjoy organized sports
as he was not competitive and, at times, clumsy. He did,
however, enjoy playing basketball with his friends. He was
quite good. Tom did enjoy music and was in the show
choir in elementary school. Tom would listen to music
songs such as "Red, Red Wine" with his tape player.
Tom's music interested changed through the years. He
liked bands such as Nirvana, The Doors, Jimmi Hendrix,
White Zombie, Metallica, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, and
even some Motown and R & B.
Tom passed away on November 14th, 1998. He will always
be loved, remembered, and missed.
a happy baby boy in Portland, Oregon on May 7th, 1978.
He only lived to be twenty years old. Tom was a special
soul full of love and virtue. He never spoke badly of
another unless they hurt someone he loved. Tom was
both loved by all and loved all that were close to him. I am
thankful that I had the honor of knowing Tom. I feel that
people like my brother are like Angels that we seem to be
with for only the flap of a doves wing but leave us with a
lifetime of memories.
Tom loved his family. He felt that family honor was most
important in life. Tom especially admired his Grandpa who
died when he was young. Tom looked like his Grandpa
and loved comic books too. He liked the characters that
protected the innocent and had chivalry. Tom enjoyed
playing with his siblings and cousins and always loved
family gatherings like Christmas Eve.
Tom was my teacher who I admired greatly growing up.
Tom would come home from school and teach me what he
had learned that day. I was happy when I started school
too and we would walk to and from together for years to
come. Tom enjoyed learning at school but he didn't take to
all the subjects. Soon he took interest in out of school
curriculum. By the time Tom was in fifth grade he loved to
read classic Greek mythology, physics books,
encyclopedias, etc.... Tom learned that knowledge and
power wasn't as ultimately important as wisdom and
virtue. He admired people such as Jesus Christ, Marcus
Aurelius, Stephen Hawking, Aristotle, Plato, and
Pythagoras.
Tom enjoyed friendships with kids who weren't
necessarily the popular type. He had a tight knit small
group of friends. Tom really didn't enjoy organized sports
as he was not competitive and, at times, clumsy. He did,
however, enjoy playing basketball with his friends. He was
quite good. Tom did enjoy music and was in the show
choir in elementary school. Tom would listen to music
songs such as "Red, Red Wine" with his tape player.
Tom's music interested changed through the years. He
liked bands such as Nirvana, The Doors, Jimmi Hendrix,
White Zombie, Metallica, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, and
even some Motown and R & B.
Tom passed away on November 14th, 1998. He will always
be loved, remembered, and missed.
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Visitor Submitted Feedback
"You are absolutely correct when you say Tom was an angel. He was the most kind person I ever had
the honor of knowing not to mention he was extremely intelligent. The two qualities do not often mix but
in Tom they were absolutes. I wish I would have appreciated his character more while I had the chance
to reciprocate his love. He was the greatest of friends... and this is a great and caring idea." - Justin Cass
(friend) 01/29/06
the honor of knowing not to mention he was extremely intelligent. The two qualities do not often mix but
in Tom they were absolutes. I wish I would have appreciated his character more while I had the chance
to reciprocate his love. He was the greatest of friends... and this is a great and caring idea." - Justin Cass
(friend) 01/29/06
"He was the best man I have ever known. You will always be loved and missed." - Jenn Angle (friend)
01/29/06
01/29/06
"Tom would be so proud of you for letting the world know what a special person he is. When Tom
became a part of my life I knew God sent him as our teacher. I only wish I could have spent more time
learning from Tom. Thanks for the chance to know Tom." - Jenn Angle (friend) 06/15/06
became a part of my life I knew God sent him as our teacher. I only wish I could have spent more time
learning from Tom. Thanks for the chance to know Tom." - Jenn Angle (friend) 06/15/06
Visitor Submitted Memories
" I can't share all the fond memories I have of Tom. Every memory is fond. We never had a fight, although
I often treated him wrong. He knew what it meant to truly forgive ignorance and was never lacking in
sincere love. I will miss Tom whenever I think of what a true friend should be and I will try to instill in my
boy his gentle and loving nature. Tom was also an excellent basketball player, at least he often beat this
white boy. We love and miss you Tom. You were the only true superman I have ever met." - Justin Cass
(friend) 01/29/06
I often treated him wrong. He knew what it meant to truly forgive ignorance and was never lacking in
sincere love. I will miss Tom whenever I think of what a true friend should be and I will try to instill in my
boy his gentle and loving nature. Tom was also an excellent basketball player, at least he often beat this
white boy. We love and miss you Tom. You were the only true superman I have ever met." - Justin Cass
(friend) 01/29/06
"Tom was very creative. He always made me feel special. The thing I will remember most is his dancing.
He said as long as you were comfortable that was all that mattered. A true modern day angel sent and
taken from above." - Dawn Angle (friend) 01/30/06
He said as long as you were comfortable that was all that mattered. A true modern day angel sent and
taken from above." - Dawn Angle (friend) 01/30/06
"I remember when we were both little boys and we encountered a neighborhood bully. Tom would stick
up for his little brother even if he knew the bully would pour sand on him and try to beat him up. Tom
didn't care. It was an altruistic love he had for those he cared about. He was kind but not afraid of
anyone." - D McClung (little brother) 06/18/06
up for his little brother even if he knew the bully would pour sand on him and try to beat him up. Tom
didn't care. It was an altruistic love he had for those he cared about. He was kind but not afraid of
anyone." - D McClung (little brother) 06/18/06
"Tom will always be in our hearts. Any one who knew Tom will never forget him. He has gave us so
many great memories. If Tom was able to see us now he would be proud of us. I am so thankful I got the
chance to know Tom, I only wish I had the chance to know Tom better. Tom and his family will always be
in my heart." - Jenn Angle (friend) 09/14/06
many great memories. If Tom was able to see us now he would be proud of us. I am so thankful I got the
chance to know Tom, I only wish I had the chance to know Tom better. Tom and his family will always be
in my heart." - Jenn Angle (friend) 09/14/06
"I remeber long talks with Tom, sometimes he would say things I didnt understand but he would help me
understand a little better.There was never a lie that came out of Toms mouth. The world could really use
more people like Tom. Someone to put smiles on faces like Tom was able to. If you was down and out
Tom would do something to put a BIG smile on you face." - Jenn Angle (friend) 09/14/06
understand a little better.There was never a lie that came out of Toms mouth. The world could really use
more people like Tom. Someone to put smiles on faces like Tom was able to. If you was down and out
Tom would do something to put a BIG smile on you face." - Jenn Angle (friend) 09/14/06
"I was touched by your story. He sounds alot like my mother. Your brother died a year before and a day
after my mom. She passed November 13, 1999. Even though I never did/will know your brother, just by
hearing your story, I too feel that he was an angel. And i also feel that hes still watching over you just as
he did when he was on Earth." - Chelsea (no relation) 07/29/06
after my mom. She passed November 13, 1999. Even though I never did/will know your brother, just by
hearing your story, I too feel that he was an angel. And i also feel that hes still watching over you just as
he did when he was on Earth." - Chelsea (no relation) 07/29/06
"God came and took you away and I will never forget the day you left us in sorrow cuz I knew he would
be here tomorrow. Why did you have to go things will never be the same without you!!! Everyday you
left me my days aren't the same. RIP I miss you and I'm praying for you. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY
HEART!!!" - Jenn Angle (friend) 11/10/06
be here tomorrow. Why did you have to go things will never be the same without you!!! Everyday you
left me my days aren't the same. RIP I miss you and I'm praying for you. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY
HEART!!!" - Jenn Angle (friend) 11/10/06
"It has been 8 years today since your passing and it is still very fresh in my head. I named my son after
you, Caden Thomas. He is wonderful. You never had any doubts in me. I think you maybe had more faith
in me than I ever did. Life has really changed since I seen you last. The only positive thing that came
from your passing, to me, is the fact that I have learned to look at life differently and not be as brash. You
used to say that I was immature like Superboy, but you also told me that I would grow to be wise like an
emperor. I thank you for believing in me when others, including myself, never did. I am hoping that your
inspiration will help me help others. I hope to perpetuate your legacy, good will, and selflessness. I love
you Tom and always will." - D McClung (little brother) 11/14/06
you, Caden Thomas. He is wonderful. You never had any doubts in me. I think you maybe had more faith
in me than I ever did. Life has really changed since I seen you last. The only positive thing that came
from your passing, to me, is the fact that I have learned to look at life differently and not be as brash. You
used to say that I was immature like Superboy, but you also told me that I would grow to be wise like an
emperor. I thank you for believing in me when others, including myself, never did. I am hoping that your
inspiration will help me help others. I hope to perpetuate your legacy, good will, and selflessness. I love
you Tom and always will." - D McClung (little brother) 11/14/06
"I remember the time we ditched school when we were in elementary school. We went to go climb crystal
mountain, but Dad seen us with the binoculars. You heard him coming up the mountain somehow. We
laid down on the desert floor for what seemed like an hour. I don't know how he didn't see us. We used
to climb that mountain all the time. We'd just sit on the apex and talk about life. We had the deepest
conversations. It was like we were on top of Mt. Olympus." - D McClung (little brother) 11/14/06
mountain, but Dad seen us with the binoculars. You heard him coming up the mountain somehow. We
laid down on the desert floor for what seemed like an hour. I don't know how he didn't see us. We used
to climb that mountain all the time. We'd just sit on the apex and talk about life. We had the deepest
conversations. It was like we were on top of Mt. Olympus." - D McClung (little brother) 11/14/06
"I remember first meeting Tom and D both playing basketball in the small, itty bitty town of West
Lafayette. They stuck out b/c they were wearing flannels in the spring (they just came from Phoenix and
obviously there is a climate change moving to Ohio). I always liked Tom and only wish I could have
known him better. I know he is missed by so many and I feel I missed out not knowing him as well as
others did. I love to hear about him as I know nobody who has spoke ill of him.
I do remember passing the time in Biology by flirting with Tom. My friend Sarah and I both did and Tom
put up with us fortunately (what pests we were)! He was so sweet and always put a smile on our faces." -
Holly (friend) 01/31/07
Lafayette. They stuck out b/c they were wearing flannels in the spring (they just came from Phoenix and
obviously there is a climate change moving to Ohio). I always liked Tom and only wish I could have
known him better. I know he is missed by so many and I feel I missed out not knowing him as well as
others did. I love to hear about him as I know nobody who has spoke ill of him.
I do remember passing the time in Biology by flirting with Tom. My friend Sarah and I both did and Tom
put up with us fortunately (what pests we were)! He was so sweet and always put a smile on our faces." -
Holly (friend) 01/31/07
"Tom my heart was broken when you left this world. A son should never leave this world before his
father. You will always be found in a special part of my heart and soul. Til we meet again... Love forever
Dad." - 3/29/07
father. You will always be found in a special part of my heart and soul. Til we meet again... Love forever
Dad." - 3/29/07
"Happy Birthday big brother! Time really flies... I'm getting old hermano! I love and miss you Tom." - D
McClung (little brother) 05/07/07
McClung (little brother) 05/07/07
"Tom, I miss you so much. I wish you were here so i could give you a hug. You would be proud of us
all. The world has changed since you left but I'm sure you know this. Everyone loves and thinks about
you. The family is doing great. We love and miss you today and always." - D McClung (little brother)
11/14/07
all. The world has changed since you left but I'm sure you know this. Everyone loves and thinks about
you. The family is doing great. We love and miss you today and always." - D McClung (little brother)
11/14/07