Thomas R. StClair

Thomas Ray "Tom" StClair of Wesley Chapel, FL, passed away on Wednesday, February18th, 2026, at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL.  He was born August 30th, 1946, in Brocton, IL.

Tom is survived by his wife Kay StClair of Wesley Chapel, FL, two sons, Brian Eric StClair of Wesley Chapel, FL, Brandon Thomas (Jessica) StClair of Lutz, FL, and daughter, Jennifer Nicole (Em) Apell-Rauch of Somerville, MA, and six grandchildren, Kearsten (Dale Dudeck) StClair, Justin StClair, Savannah StClair, Colt StClair, Cameron StClair, Nolan Apell-Rauch, and one great grandchild, Oliver Dudeck; one sister, Marlene (Ray McClain) Brannick of Brocton, IL, tow brothers-in-law, Ralph (Sue) Craig of Brocton, IL, Bob (Jane) Faust of Villa Grove, IL, and several nieces and nephews.. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marie StClair, one sister, Carolyn Sue Craig and two brothers, Ronald StClair and Dick StClair.

Tom graduated from Brocton High School in 1964 and then joined the Navy in 1965 where he served on the USS Sea Leopard.  While he was in the Navy, he played on the Sublant Sea Raiders Basketball Team, helping them win the 1968 All Navy Championship.  Tom was then recruited to play for the University of North Carolina-Pembroke where he helped lead the UNC-P Braves to their first NAIA National Basketball championship Tournament in Kansas City, MO.

After graduating from UNC-P, Tom began his career in insurance with GAB as a claims adjuster.  He and his family then moved to Florida, and he continued his career with the Florida Farm Bureau.  Tom finally retired from insurance in 2005 from the USAA Insurance Company.
Tom was a member of the Brocton American Legion Post 977, loved playing golf, hunting, old westerns, and riding his Harley Davidson.  He was an avid fan of NASCAR and all sports, and his pride and joy was watching his kids and grandkids, playing them.  His support as a fan will be severely missed by the family, however in their hearts they know he will be watching from another angle.

A Celebration of Life in Wesley Chapel, FL will be held. A graveside service will also be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Payne Cemetery in Brocton, IL. For those who wish, the family suggests any memorials be made to the Brocton American Legion Post 977, P.O. Box 203, Brocton, IL  61719.

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