Thomas Alan Claussen
Thomas Alan Claussen went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
Tom was born on December 22, 1960 in Austin, Minnesota. On January 15, 1961, Tom was baptized into the Christian faith and confirmed his baptismal faith on May 18, 1975 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. He was an active member at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.
Tom was a 1979 graduate of Austin High School in Austin, Minnesota. He graduated from Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1983 with a degree in Business Administration.
Tom married Carol Hemenway, also from Austin, Minnesota, on December 17, 1983. Together they first lived in Kansas City where Tom worked for Payless Cashways and he and Carol moved to Houston in 1984. In 1997 Tom went to work for McCoy’s Building Supply where he spent the remainder of his career.
Tom was an avid volunteer at his church, Gloria Dei, in Houston where he was a member of the worship arts tech team. Sunday mornings will not be the same without his steady and enduring presence. He was a people person who embraced life and lived in the moment. Tom was a devoted husband, son and brother who was always the peacemaker, often through humor. He was “Uncle Tom” to nieces and nephews on both sides of the family as well as “Papa Tom” to his beloved god children. Tom was the first one to show up to an event and the last one to leave. He enjoyed capturing life’s moments with photos and sharing them, whether the pictures were new or old! When time allowed, Tom had a passion for playing golf and he loved the beach. He was well regarded and respected by his clients and colleagues. Tom was a story teller with an amazing memory for details, had fun-loving spirit and was a light in the lives of those around him. He will be dearly missed on this earth.
Tom was preceded by his brother, Jeffrey, and his dad, Don. Tom is survived by his wife, Carol Hemenway Claussen of League City, Texas; his mother, Charlotte Claussen, of League City, Texas; brothers Stephen (Barbara) of Dallas, Texas, and Bradley (Katy) of Friendswood, Texas. He is also survived by his nephew and nieces Samuel (Sarah Flume) Claussen of Dallas, TX, Karin (Collin) Hager of Dallas, TX, Elizabeth (Josh) Hawkins of League City, Texas, and Lauren (Raul) Soto of La Porte, Texas; grandniece Robin Soto of La Porte, Texas, grandnephew Hudson Hawkins of League City, Texas, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
There will be a memorial service celebrating Tom’s life on October 19th at 10:00 am at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Nassau Bay, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be directed to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. In the memo section, please write “Tom Claussen memorial-Worship Arts”.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Praying for peace for the whole family.
Tom was a good man and friend growing up in Austin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family and Carol.! Tom will make heaven a better place!
I’m so sorry for your the loss of your brother. My prayers are with his wife Carol. In which was married for over thirty years . And also for the Claussen family.
I had the pleasure of being Tom’s store manager for a brief 7 months. On my first day he walked in my office and sat down and simply told me, “you are going to do fine, just come get me if you need anything” In that moment I knew I had someone to lean on. Tom always had a positive word to say to you regardless of how your day or his was going. I feel blessed that I can say he was my friend.
Tom, I will never forget you sir and your kindness towards me, rest in peace my friend.
Prayers are with your Family.
I am so glad that I got to know him since moving to the Houston area a few years ago he was a very kind man. I greatly enjoyed working with him. I’m so sorry for the family’s lose.