F. Tom Claxton

On Friday, February 24th, “Tom” Forbes Earl Claxton of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of Rita Anne Claxton; father of Thomas Claxton (Tina), Michael Claxton, Robert Claxton (Melissa), and Christopher Claxton (Dara); Grandfather of Thomas (Taylor), Matthew Joseph, Katelyn, Kelly, Jackson, Joseph, Michael, Matthew and John; and Brother of Walter Claxton. He was preceded in death by his brother Roger Claxton.

F. Tom Claxton was born to Walter and Edna Claxton in Watertown, New York and spent his entire career in the cemetery and funeral business. As a teen, F. Tom and his family moved to the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C. and graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School in 1958.  His first employment was as a disc jockey at WINX.  Tom and his family built Gate of Heaven Cemetery and directed cemetery operations for the Archdiocese of Washington. During his lifelong career in the cemetery and funeral business, he whole-heartedly enjoyed his work employed by the following companies: Archdiocese of Washington, Rockville Fuel and Feed, Service Corportation International (SCI), Montgomery Vault, and Stewart Enterprises. F. Tom was President of the Freestate Cemetery Association. 

F. Tom was an avid member of the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department for a total of sixty years, beginning in 1959. He filled various positions such as Deputy Chief in the early 1970s and later in his life, he served as Chaplain and President.  

He was a long-standing member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, where he was a longtime Parish Council Member and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. His devoted work included relief and missionary work in Haiti and Jamaica.

F. Tom was a life-long  Washington Redskins and Washington Capital’s fan, enjoying time watching both teams with his family. He also relished his family vacations at Bethany Beach, Delaware. He always looked forward to the Firemen’s and Cemetery Conventions in Ocean City, Maryland. Without a doubt, he loved both his family and work. With his strong faith, the family is comforted that he is now resting in peace.

Services will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023 at St, Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. The viewing will be held from 11 am-12 pm. Requiem Mass will start at 12 pm, and the interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 2 pm.