McCracken, Thomas Hamilton

 Thomas Hamilton McCracken, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and coach, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born to Homer and Esther McCracken in St. Louis, Missouri, Tom was the youngest of six children. Known as “Pop,” “Coach,” “Dad,” or “Great-Pop,” his life was marked by deep loyalty—to his faith, his family, and his friends.

Tom and Betty met on a baseball field at Roosevelt High School when they were 15 and 16 years old. They married on August 25, 1962, and shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised five children: Tom Scott McCracken, Jennifer Lynn Patterson, Curtis Arnold McCracken, Mark David McCracken, and Sandra Marie McCracken Nicholson. Their family grew to include nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.

Tom earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Southeast Missouri State University, where he ran track and field and was a natural athlete. After college, he began teaching and coaching in Cape Girardeau and Kinmundy, Illinois, before returning to St. Louis.

For over three decades, Tom taught and coached in the St. Louis area—21 years at Lindbergh High School and 14 more as head of the science department at Clayton High School. At Lindbergh, he started what would become a legendary boys’ cross country program. Under his leadership, the teams won seven consecutive state titles. In 2021, Tom and his teams were inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He often said, “You just can’t give up,” and instilled that belief in everyone he coached—building not just stamina and strength, but confidence and character.

As a teacher, Tom’s passion for science was contagious. He led AP Biology classes where students routinely earned top scores, sparking lifelong interests in science, medicine, and education. Former students still speak of how he taught them to think, believe, and work hard—not just in the classroom, but in life.

Tom’s impact reached far beyond his formal roles. As a father, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, he shaped the lives of countless people across generations. He was a natural encourager—always a cheerleader for others, whether on the sidelines of a race, a school event, or a grandchild’s performance. He brought humor, insight, and unwavering enthusiasm into every room he entered.

Tom’s life was full of adventure and a love for the great outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing, leading ski trips, playing golf, and listening to live music. Sunday afternoons often meant heading out to hear the bluegrass jam sessions after church—a joyful tradition he and Betty continued even just a few weeks ago.

He is survived by his wife Betty, his five children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brothers, John McCracken and Ron McCracken. He was preceded in death by siblings Homer McCracken, Robert McCracken, and Doris Kuhn.

Those who knew Tom remember his life as one of faithfulness, lived with great conviction and love. As a husband and father, a teacher and coach, he gave his all—and in doing so, inspired others to do the same. He will be remembered and missed by so many.

Rest in peace, Tom. The real celebration is just beginning for you in heaven. We are grateful for your amazing life and legacy.

Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Tuesday, July 15 from 10:00 am. until Funeral Service time at 12 noon. Interment at Park Lawn Cemetery.