Dr. Thomas John Clarke III, 72, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2010 surrounded by his children. Thomas was the beloved father of Beth Ann Lang (nee Clarke), Victoria Lynn Clarke and Thomas John Clarke IV and married for 30 years to Joyce Clarke. Thomas was born February 12, 1938, in Cincinnati, OH, to the late Thomas and Margaret Clarke. He attended St. Xavier High School ('56) and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ohio State University ('62). He was awarded a prestigious Angell Memorial Animal Hospital internship in Boston, MA ('63). He was a veterinarian for 43 years with an animal hospital in Kenwood and clinics in Milford and Wyoming. During his illustrious career, Thomas received numerous honors and served as Director of the American Animal Hospital Association, Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association and Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. He also served for 9 years as Vice President of the Hamilton County Board of Health and 12 years on the Indian Hill Board of Health. Thomas acted as an Ohio State University Practitioner Lecturer for 11 years and was a lifetime member of the American Animal Hospital Association. He represented Veterinary Medicine for the U.S. State Department in Germany, Denmark, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand ('84-'86). Thomas was also the 113th President of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick ('81) and served as a Trustee in the organization for 29 years. A devout Catholic and member of St. Gertrude's parish in Madeira, Thomas was truly a man for others. Immediately following retirement in 2004, Thomas devoted himself to helping the elderly and tutoring children with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The eldest of 10 children, Thomas is survived by Richard, Steven, Timothy, Mary Catherine, Martin, Patrick and Bernie, his son-in-law Bruce Lang, and adored by his nine-year-old granddaughter Natalie Grace. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and numerous friends. Thomas was truly a loving spirit who touched and blessed countless lives. As God's faithful servant, Thomas's ceaseless devotion to Mary and Jesus is the hallmark for which he will be remembered. Visitation will be Friday, February 19, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery at Galbraith, Cincinnati, OH 45236. Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, February 20th at 10 a.m. at St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 7630 Shawnee Run Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243. Memorials suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1125 Bank St., Cincinnati, OH 45214, or svdpcincinnati.org.

Service

Friday, February 19, 2010 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Gilligan Funeral Home 3734 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati 45226, United States

Service

Saturday, February 20, 2010 10:00 AM St Gertrude Church 8221 Miami Avenue Cincinnati 45243, United States