Thomas Clinton Staley

Thomas Clinton Staley, age 86, of Vandalia, Ohio, began his newest adventure as he entered heaven on December 18, 2024. He was born on October 7, 1938, in Jamestown, Ohio, to the late Thomas Clifton Staley and Willa Ruth (Lieurance) Staley. In addition to his parents, Tom was also preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Max Alan Royka, and his sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn (Staley) and David Knisley.

Tom’s first adventures began while growing up in the small town of Jamestown, and he remained devoted to his Jamestown classmates throughout the rest of his life via visits, emails and phone calls. He graduated from Wittenberg University in 1961 with a BS degree in Business Management. It was at Wittenberg where he met his loving wife, Barbara Lynn (Viskocil) Staley, who, he said, came out to Ohio from her home in Maryland because she had heard he was there. They were married in the campus chapel in 1962 and set out on a 62-year adventure filled with family and friends. 

During his 50-year business career, he was employed by many builder-supply companies as a manager and regional manager. He was so meticulous about his stores and passionate about customer service that his management and employees nicknamed him “Tommy Typewriter” because of all the messages he sent to them about improvements they should make. 

After retiring in 2003, Tom embraced new adventures, including more trips to see his children and grandchildren, improving his own health and the health of others, staying physically active (playing golf, ping pong and pool), serving others, traveling, and keeping his backyard “critters” well fed so that they would entertain him during breakfast every morning. Golf was his extra-special sport in recent years, and he really enjoyed the challenge to “shoot his age” (7 times this year!) and the time spent with all his wonderful new golfing friends. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Troy and participated in many mission experiences to serve those in need, including trips to the Czech Republic, Jamaica, and Louisiana (for hurricane Katrina relief). He also served others by providing gallons of alkaline water and meals to those experiencing health issues and/or loneliness. His mission was to educate people on the importance of hydration and nutrition to improve their lives. He loved his country and was extremely patriotic, enjoying political discussions with anyone willing to participate. His endearing sense of humor (and laughter) lifted everyone’s spirits. To entertain his children and grandchildren, he used quirky quotes such as, “Glad you got to see me,” “Children, stop acting like children!,” “Everybody not here, raise your hand,” “Hi, boys!” (to the girls) or “Hi, girls!” to the boys, “Don’t eat that, it’ll get in your stomach!” “It’s amazing what people would rather have than money.” In his words, “It’s my job in life to ‘stir the pot’.” His family and friends adored him and will miss his love, advice, guidance, wisdom, hugs, and wisecracks.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Barb; five children: Sherri Snyder, Shelley (Todd) Grosjean, Susan (Steven) Garland, John (Delaina) Staley, Jill Staley; thirteen grandchildren: Steven (Cynthia) Jamison, Erin (Ashley) Hunter, Ellen Snyder, Zachary (Paige) Grosjean, Jase Grosjean, Mitchell Grosjean, Lauren Garland, Hannah Garland, Natalie Garland, Shaina Freese, Sabrina Staley, Savannah Staley, Luke Royka; six great grandchildren: Marlie Snyder, Ainsley Jamison, Mabel Jamison, Devon Grosjean, Gianna Grosjean, Mila Grosjean; and by his extended family and amazing friends and neighbors.

Tom’s Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Troy, Ohio, on Sunday, January 19, 2025,  at 4:00 pm. Following the celebration, everyone is invited to join the family for a time of food and fellowship at the church. The family will be receiving friends starting at 3:00 pm.