Thomas Emery Enck

In loving memory of Tom Enck, who passed away on August 1, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 85. Tom was born on October 1, 1937, in Ashland, Ohio, to his parents, Robert and Helen (Brown) Enck.

Tom grew up in Ashland, Ohio, and was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church. He was an accomplished basketball player during his time at Ashland High School and was inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame. Tom loved horseback riding and spent summers as a camp counselor at Camp Al-Gon-Quian in Northern Michigan. He attended Duke University and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and the freshman basketball team. There he met Judith Enck and married after graduation. He returned to Ashland and had two boys (Doug and Phil) and worked for the family business, The Home Company.

The family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and resided there for 30 years.  He immediately became an avid University of Michigan fan, attending home games and following the Detroit Tigers. He loved listening to Tiger games on the radio.  Tom was a founder of the youth basketball leagues and was a mentor to many boys and young men through the years.

In his later years, Tom reunited with and married his high school girlfriend, Cleta Larson, of Mesa, AZ. They split their time between Arizona and Michigan and had many adventures traveling by car between locations.

Tom had a special affection for animals and enjoyed the companionship of many dogs throughout his life. His love for golf and wooden boats persisted well into his 80s. Tom enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with friends and loved ones, playing cards and sitting on the porch. His favorite place was Mullett Lake Michigan, where he visited for 85 years.

Friends and family describe Tom as humble and resourceful, a patient and easy going mentor, and someone who didn’t know a stranger. People loved his sense of humor and rebellious antics.

Tom is survived by a loving family who will always cherish years of memories and stories. Tom leaves behind his wife, Cleta Kay, brother Steve (Joanne), son Doug (Jane), son Phil (Emily), nephew Jeff (Joanna), granddaughter Jaclyn (Shawn), granddaughter Jennifer (Miles), grandson Robert, grandson Will, grandson Mac, and grandson Alex.

The family will have a private celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Ashland City Schools

℅ Tom Enck AHS Basketball donation

1407 Claremont Ave

Ashland, OH 44805

We greatly appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and notes.