Thomas Cradit of Clare passed away on the evening of August 7, 2024 after a full life well-lived. He was born in Mt. Pleasant on March 5, 1943 to the late Jean and Neilan Cradit. Tom called Clare home for most of his life, though he also lived for some time in Mt. Pleasant and in Cleburne, Texas. Tom’s 81 years were filled with the curious exploration of a number of career paths, including writing children’s books, traveling the country to install loading dock equipment for Rite-Hite, custodial and maintenance work for Clare Public Schools, and time spent working in a Texas sand mine. He was most fulfilled, however, in his work as a photographer, both professionally and, later in life, as an enthusiastic hobbyist.
After high school, Tom spent formative years in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. While he was typically reserved in discussing his service, he was a proud veteran with a strong sense of integrity, justice, and care for others. He was a fierce protector of his family and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Tom was an avid gardener and outdoor enthusiast, a voracious reader, a lifelong learner, and a prolific teller of B+ dad jokes. But as you’ll recall, Good Humor man wasn’t in his list of careers. (He’d find that funny.)
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his cousin Rebecca Groves of Florida, and his wife of 30 years, Darleen. He is survived by three sons: Gary (Kerry) of Grass Lake, MI, Rick of Minneapolis, MN, and Nathan (Ali Berry) of Ann Arbor, MI. Tom’s surviving family also includes granddaughters Alexandra and Mikaela, great-grandson Jack, sister Sally, partner Elaine, and several cousins.
In keeping with his wishes, Tom’s family will hold a small, graveside memorial at noon on Friday, August 23 at Clare’s Cherry Grove Cemetery, Pastor David Birsching officiating. Arrangements were handled by the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com
