Thomas Jefferson McClarty, 92, of Lilbourn was born Aug. 31, 1919, in Cardwell, to the late Oliver Nemar and Curtis Owens McClarty and passed away March 24, 2012, at the Golden Living Center in New Madrid. On July 13, 1941, he married Mrs. Eva Marie Hickerson McClarty in Senath, who survives of the home. Tom, Marie and their son, Larry, moved to Lilbourn in 1948. Tom became a born again Christian in 1953. Soon after, he was elected to the position of deacon at the First Baptist Church and served in that role over 50 years. In addition to his duties as a deacon, he taught Sunday School in various capacities. He was an owner and operator of a grocery business until his retirement in 1976. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, serving in various capacities of the club. He also helped organize the Little League baseball program in Lilbourn and was a longtime coach and mentor of young men. His most special role was being a father of four sons, grandfather of seven, and great-grandfather of 13. Tom's ministry was his willingness to pray with someone anytime a need was expressed. He truly believed in the power of prayer.  Later in life, he was known for his participation in the Missouri Senior Olympics where he won over 100 medals. He was preceded in death by: his parents; one brother, Jim McClarty; half sister, Era Lee Anderson; and half brother Ralph McClarty. In addition to his wife, he is survived by: four sons, Larry and Bettye McClarty of Tulsa, Okla., David and Donna McClarty of Lilbourn, Pat and Sandy McClarty of Nashville, Tenn., and Jeff and Lisa McClarty of Houston, Texas; his brother: Gene McClarty of Australia; seven grandchildren, Tom and Laura McClarty of Siloam Springs, Ark., Susan McClarty of Broken Arrow, Okla., Joseph and Tricia McClarty of New Madrid, Dr. Philip and Erin McClarty of Birmingham, Ala., Brian and Megan Beaubien of Nashville, Ryan McClarty of Nashville and Chase McClarty of Houston, Texas; 13 great-grandchildren including one very special great-grandson, Carson McClarty. The family would like to thank David and Donna McClarty for their special care of Paw Paw TJ over the last 15 years, as well as the staff of the Golden Living Center in New Madrid and caregiver, Doris Maxwell. The pallbearers were: the five grandsons and grandson-in-law. Honorary pallbearers were: Bill Jones, Frank Hadder, Jim Lovett and Dickie Weeks.