Thomas Clanton

Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita 918-256-5555 --- Thomas Dwight "Tom" Clanton, went to be with the Lord on Monday evening, December 22, 2014 at his home. Born April 1, 1933, in Catale, Oklahoma to Cleve and Verda (Stokes) Clanton; he was 81 years old. Tom married Linda Jane Stanislaus, on January 14, 1955. Together they raised four daughters; Terri, Melissa, Traci and Meredith. Tom was well known as owner and operator of Clanton's Café in Vinita, a Route 66 staple since 1927. To Tom, no one was a stranger. Serving three generations of Vinita families, as well as those from far away, Tom always made an immediate connection. Tom graduated Vinita High School, and attended college at NEO A&M and Oklahoma State University. He served eight years in the Oklahoma National Guard and was a member of the First Baptist Church, of Vinita, Oklahoma. Tom was a long standing supporter of the town and people of Vinita, serving as a member of the Vinita Chamber of Commerce, Vinita Jaycee's, and Skipper Warner Sports Club. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Celestine Humphreys and nephew Hal Humphreys. Tom's greatest pride was his family. He leaves behind his wife, Linda; daughter, Terri Lynn Cartmell and husband Dr. Larry of Waco, Texas; daughter, Melissa Jane Patrick and husband Dennis of Vinita; daughter, Traci Jeanne Clanton-Wright of Vinita; daughter, Meredith Dale Hilliard and husband Blake of Tokyo, Japan; brother, Argene Clanton and wife Roberta of White Oak; sister, Cleve Ellen Inman and husband Wayne of Vinita; sister-in-law, JoAnn Wilkinson of Vinita; along with six grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. The family will receive friends at their home from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, December 26, 2014. Pastors Skip McClain and Steve Holland will officiate the funeral service, held on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church of Vinita, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery. After the interment, family and friends are invited to gather at Clanton's Café for a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Preschool Department of the First Baptist Church of Vinita, Oklahoma. Our family's heart felt gratitude goes out to all the doctors and nurses that helped Tom live to his fullest; Dr. Ed Allensworth, Dr. Alan Keller, Dr. Craig Johnson and Rhonda Howard. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.

Visitation Details

Friday, December 26th, 2014 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Clanton's Family Home

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014 9:00am - 6:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Thursday, December 25th, 2014 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Friday, December 26th, 2014 9:00am - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Saturday, December 27th, 2014 10:00am, First Baptist Church of Vinita

Interment Details

Fairview Cemetery - Vinita