Thomas Robert Cleary

June 12, 1957 ~ August 3, 2024 (age 67)

Tribute

Thomas Robert Cleary, known affectionately as Tom by his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, in Ashland, Kentucky. He was born on June 12, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Robert B. and Geraldine Rice Cleary.

Tom retired from Sun Coke Partners Coal Terminal with 21 years of service and was also a heavy equipment operator for Addington Brothers where he worked for 15 years. He loved his trips to Las Vegas where he enjoyed playing Blackjack and Roulette. Beyond his professional endeavors, Tom was an active member of the Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge #350, the Ashland Moose Lodge and was a Kentucky Colonel. His involvement in these organizations was not just about fellowship; it was a testament to his belief in service and his desire to contribute to the well-being of others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lila Hornbuckle Cleary, and their children, his son Thomas Scott Cleary and wife Amanda of Ironton, Ohio, his daughter Lindsay Lee Hicks and her husband Danny of Ashland, KY, a step-son Robert Jamie Blackburn and wife Mary of Somerset, Kentucky. Tom’s brothers, Joe Cleary of Gainsboro, Georgia, and Tim Cleary with his wife Reba of Milton, West Virginia, along with his sister Kathy Cleary of Lexington, Kentucky, also share in his memory. He was a proud grandfather to Owen, Noah, Nathan, Kody, Evan and Cy who lovingly called him “Pops” and could always count on him to attend their games and sporting events. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, countless friends and his beloved poodle Bridget.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 5:00 PM at Steen Funeral Home-13th Street Chapel and will be officiated by Reverend Marty Gute. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until service time at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions in his memory to Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 2167, Lexington, KY, 40588. Online condolences may be made to www.steenfuneralhome.com