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.
I was fortunate to know Tom through his love for golf and working with him as a usher for Cardinals
He was a wise and thoughtful man will be miss
Bill Auer
Coach McCracken’s first year leading the Lindbergh High School cross country team was my senior year. I was not the strongest or fastest runner on his team, but through his guidance — especially his belief in me and the ways he taught me to relax my mind and non-running muscles while performing — I was the only Lindbergh runner who qualified and ran at the state championship. I only connected with him a few times after I went away to college, and that was my loss. Seeing him in recent years brought back so many of the life lessons he instilled in us through his gentle coaching style. The ongoing performances of his running teams are a testament not only to his coaching style, but more importantly to his character. I credit him as one of the most constructive influences in my life.
Coach was a profound impact upon my life. He provided guidance and positive reinforcement guided by a sincere desire to help a teenager in the ‘70’s. He created opportunities for me no one else could match. Long live the memories of Cross Country (he was ahead of the times). Rest in peace. Thank you Coach!!
I had the honor of playing a few rounds of golf with Coach McCracken at The Acorns Golf Links. He lived and played by his motto “You just can’t give up” .
He will be missed on the course.
My sincere condolences to his family and all of his friends.
Ron Auer
A great guy a well respected man. One of the best coaches in track an cross country, in the state of Missouri. He will be missed!!
Heavenly Father, we come to you with gratitude for giving us time with Tom
His love, patience and kindness to us all has been a joy and an example for us to learn. We ask that his love ones are comforted knowing that the angels are celebrating his return to the lord. We ask these things in Jesus name Amen
Tom was a great teacher of other coaches simply by applying his craft. I enjoyed many years with Coach McCracken and spent much of that time learning from him and his always positive methods transitioning good athletes into great athletes and better people. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on for generations in his family and in the young men he tutored. God bless and keep you, Tom.
Thomas Hamilton McCracken was one of those rare people who don’t need much time to make an outsized impact. I didn’t get nearly as much time with him as I would’ve liked, but in the years I knew Tom, he made every moment count with whoever he was with. His superpowers were endless optimism and unwavering encouragement.
He was a great father-in-law and an even better grandfather—the kind who showed up, listened, and made each of his grandkids feel like the center of the universe. Thanks, Pop, for the ways you encouraged all of us to live with joy, curiosity, and kindness.
Pop, you and I are due for some hiking and rafting. I’ll see you soon.
Tom was the most positive person I ever met. It was never about him even in his last years. I see why he was a successful coach and mentor to many. He will be missed on the golf course.
Hit them straight and keep smiling.
I’ve had many coaches in my life, however, when I think of the word Coach, I think of him and only him. He was one of the most influential people in my life and he taught me so many things. So many valuable lessons that helped me become the man I am today. Those years at Lindbergh were some of the best years of my life and when the air becomes crisp in the fall, my mind and heart go back to those wonderful days each and every year.
One of my favorite memories were having you cheer for my son, Will, on the State course in Jefferson City. I look forward, joyfully, to being reunited with both of you in heaven.
A truly great man who left a lasting mark.
Mr. McCracken had a profoundly positive influence on my life. He was my biology teacher at Lindbergh High School. Little did he know that his influence not only developed my love for science but also led me to follow in his footsteps to become a science teacher. His influence extended to many in numerous positive ways—my deepest condolences to his family.
It was an honor when Tom coached the JV Girls Basketball team, for a few years, while I coached the Varsity Team. The teams practiced together and we shared our philosophies. He was unique and beloved!
My love, prayers and peace to Betty and his family. Tom’s love and wisdom lead him with kindness and knowledge to share his gifts. What a Light!!!
Melanie DePorter
Tom was a great friend. We laughed together and solved a lot of the world’s problems He added much to my life. As a colleague, he taught us all the importance of caring deeply about excellence. Betty is dear to us, too. God’s peace.
Tom was a great coach and a good friend. He taught me a lot about coaching but mostly about life. Cross country and track are great metaphors for life! “You get out of it what you put into it”, and Tom got more out of life than almost anyone I ever met. He enjoyed life to its fullest and so did anyone who shared those moments with him, you were truly loved and will be missed by all who knew you!
Tom was a wonderful human being; a bit mischievous, witty, an infectious laugh but, overall, a genuinely nice guy. He ran a 1:53.? half-mile (NOT an 800 meter for you youngsters) and later coached a cross-country dynasty at Lindbergh High School. His teams were so strong year after year, he would split them up to attend two different big X-country Invitationals the same afternoon and win both easily. My Freshman year at Cape, Tom (a Junior at the time and me a lowly Freshman), for reasons of simply kindness, invited me to dinner one night with Betty at his home. He didn’t know me that well at all other than we both ran cross-country. I believe she made lasagna. As a Freshman who frequented only dormitory food, it was heavenly. He and I also one day set out to break the Cape Rock distance school record. It was, as I remember about 10-11 miles. We broke it easily. I’m under the predictably false illusion our record still stands. At a recent Cape cross-country/track reunion I ran into Tom. I told him one reason I attended was because I’d heard he would be there. We talked at great length about old times. He mentioned his wife had had a stroke which then reminded us both of the time he invited me for dinner. He said, “My wife still remembers that night.” Then kiddingly, I responded with, “Really! By the way, your wife was gorgeous. What did she ever see in you?” He answered. “Honestly I never knew. But you’re right. She was absolutely beautiful and still is.” Since that day, I’ve prayed for Betty before every meal that she deals with her infirmity in the very best way possible. Tom and his friendship, even though we never ran in the same circles in college or after, meant that much to me.
I am one of many who played golf with Tom at Acorns golf club. He was a pleasure to be around. His sense of humor was second to none. When I was playing badly he told me why don’t you quit for two weeks and then take up tennis.
He was a true gentleman and a scholar.
Like many others…I had the pleasure of knowing Tom through my golf group at Acorns. I can’t begin to tell you how many times Coach and I would remain out on the course having our “World Championship of Putting.”
It was always Arnie vs Jack. If I remember correctly, Coach was always ‘Arnie’ and I was always ‘Jack’. I remember one day after Senior Scramble on a Tuesday…we lost track of time. Two and a half hours later…the competition ended with both of us being winners because of our friendship.
I’ll miss you my friend. Thank you for your friendship and encouragement through the years.
God bless your family and rest in peace.
Tom was a great cc coach. I learned much from him. I enjoyed going to Colorado on his camping trips He put me In a raft with some kids for some water rafting. Probably one of the most memorable things I have ever done., in my life
May God rest his soul.
Paul Enke
Hazelwood Central HS
Cross Country and Track
Coach McCracken was my coach, mentor, and friend for several years, beginning in high school and continuing through college. He was one of the few people in my life whose influence is a reflection of who I am today.
As a freshman track athlete, he saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. He had a vision—a dream, really— for what could be achieved in 4 years—while I was still asking about how many 220 reps were on the schedule for that day.
It led to many victories later in life, on and off the track. He was an encourager who dreamed big. I count it as my blessing and good fortune to have been in his circle for a short while. He was a light in my life, who changed me—to be resilient and steadfast in trials and tribulations. Thank you Coach!
And while we lost touch over the years, hearing about his health struggles and his passing moved me deeply. My sorrow is deep, but I’m at peace in knowing he is with our Heavenly Father and the “celebration is just beginning.”
My four years as a Clayton high school golfer under Coach McCracken and Coach Gamlin were as special an experience as any in my life. I still tell people the story of seeing (and hearing) his hole-in-one at Innsbrook Estates Golf Course during practice – it was one of the most jovial moments I’ve ever experienced in my many decades around the game, and couldn’t have happened for a better guy. He will be missed.
Tom will always be remembered as one of the coaching legends of Missouri athletics. I grew up listening to the stories of Lindbergh X-C dominance and the machine Tom created.
Like Joe Bill Dixon-West Plains and Clark Wille-Herculaneum, Tom’s Cross-Country Teams dominated the 1970s, winning six state championships, four of those titles consecutively.
Most importantly, Tom was a leader among his peers and influenced his athletes to work and compete as a team. Tom always spoke to my Father and me after races, offering congratulations or a “you will get ’em next time!”
God Bless You, Tom.
Christopher Borsa
1985 CBC
Tom, Sorry I could not make your Memorial. Had some great times on our AP trips. You were a great guy, fun guy, great teacher with a great sense of humor.
One complaint—I went through 5 Rosaries every time you drove !!
PS I just sent a message to Saint Albertus Magnus rhe Patron St. of science teachers -don’t know if there is one for cross country coaches- to ease your way to theBig Lab in the Sky’
Conway LHS English
Coach was my AP biology teacher at Lindbergh, the passion, energy, and intelligence I gained from watching him and learning from him convinced me to enter a science field, becoming a physical therapist. He taught me to question everything and to push the limits, 55 publications later I have Coach to thank for pushing me to continually to question, thank you for giving me the confidence I lacked back then.
Coach McCracken taught me many life lessons on how to work hard for what you believe. I was a member of the X – country team of the 70s dynasty and learned from him the importance of team. I have retired to country living in Idaho and am teaching young men about Tom’s running style and applying the same running concept that I learned as a teenager. Tom cared about all his runners. Long live the famous McCraken saying “Let’s go boys!” Tom will surely be missed.
“IT doesn’t TAKE TIME, It makes TIME!” About exercise and long distance running, one of the many things I learned from Coach McCracken in my 1973-1975 two years on Lindbergh’s CC and track teams. I wasn’t very good, wasn’t part of the State Championship teams, yet Coach had a significant impact on me. I did have a brief phone conversation with him several years ago, wish I could attend Lindbergh CC Dynasty get-together in StL, alas, I am in Arlington, VA! LHS Class of ‘76.