Thomas Benton

Thomas Clarke Benton, better known as Clarke, was well loved by all who crossed his path. His influence reached far and wide due to his numerous life's adventures.

Clarke grew up in South Orange, NJ and went to Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ. From there he went to Rutgers University where he was a brother in the Theta Chi Fraternity and rowed in varsity crew. During his time at Rutgers, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Wahlberg. Clarke joined the Navy and became a pilot during the Korean War and upon his return he married Marilyn in 1954. They started a family in Blairstown and made their living on a successful dairy farm. Daughters Laurie Ellen and Gail Corinne were born on the farm before Clarke became simultaneously a teacher and a student. He taught math and calculus at Killingly High School in Danielson, CT while attending UCONN for his masters in education.

The family, which now included the younger Thomas Clarke (Tom), moved to New Jersey where he taught earth science and physics at Weequahic High School in Newark. With summers off from teaching the family took many camping summer vacations to Tennessee, Maine, California, the Outer Banks, and Prince Edward Island, Canada. Clarke was also a prolific Boy Scout, serving as Scout Master for 19 years with troop 125. In 1980, Trout Brook Farm started in Chester with an established apple orchard and the family began planting Christmas trees, becoming one of the largest Christmas tree farms in New Jersey. Clarke, Marilyn and Tom welcomed thousands of visitors and dozens of workers over the years.

In 2001 with Marilyn's health declining, the farm was sold and Clarke and Marilyn moved to Mansfield, OH where they were part of the Linden Road Presbyterian Church family. Clarke then came to Maryland for his final adventure with his family at Brightview Severna Park.

Clarke was first a teacher and mentor and will be remembered by those he lifted up along the way, frequently sharing his sense of humor and a kind word. He shared his knowledge of knots with any who were interested to learn, or not. Truly, all of his knowledge was available to those who were open to receive it. Clarke rejoined Marilyn on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 when he passed on with the Lord. He is survived by his children; Laurie Lane, Gail Kerg (Chuck) and Tom Benton (Jess), his grandchildren; Evan Lane (Tara), Ann Kerg-Bucksbaum (Jake), Andrew Kerg (Brenda), and Michael Benton, and great-grandchildren; Aunna Bucksbaum and Dade Bucksbaum, his brother William (Bill) Benton, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, and his sister Elnora Oliphant.

A memorial service is planned to celebrate Clarke's life on April 1, 2017 at 5:30 pm at Brightview Severna Park, and at a date to be arranged in Mansfield, Ohio at Linden Road Presbyterian Church